Dante's Divine Comedy: an introduction
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- Start Date: 15 Nov 2025End Date: 15 Nov 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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What is the course about?
The Divine Comedy is probably the most important and famous work of Italian literature. In its home country, it set the standard for literary Italian and has been hailed as one of its poetic masterpieces. Outside of Italy, a few centuries after its publication this epic poem was almost ignored, only to be rediscovered in the 19th century, exerting a significant influence on so many writers in many different countries. But what is it that makes it one of the greatest works of world literature? And why is it so important for the Italian language?
What will we cover?
We will first look at the historical and cultural events that inspired Dante to write The Divine Comedy, before exploring its structure, main themes and language. We will also examine the various interpretations of the journey in the afterlife. This will be combined with a reading of a selection of its cantos (in English).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Describe the structure of Dante’s poem and its inspiration sources
- Present some of the Comedy’s key themes
- Give an example of how Dante included his personal view in the poem.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and does not require any knowledge of Italian or previous readings about Dante. However, a good grasp of English is necessary to make the most of the session and to fully appreciate the complex syntax of Dante's poem.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The session will be a mixture of tutor-led lecture combined with group discussion, readings and opportunities to ask questions. Some group or pair activities will be included. A further reading list will be provided at the end.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The translated extracts from the cantos will be provided by the tutor. Bring writing material if you wish to take notes.
If you would like a reference copy of the Divine Comedy, the recommended version is The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso translated by Robin Kirkpatrick, Penguin Classics 2012, ISBN 978-0141197494.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
For other Literary History or other Literature courses, please check our website under History, Culture and Writing/Literature at www.citylit.ac.ukcourses for more information.
Francesco has taught Italian language classes and literature at City Lit since 2014. He also works as Head of the Classics Department. After graduating with honours in Modern Languages and Literatures (English, German and Serbo-Croat), he moved to London and started teaching Italian at various adult education colleges, which gave him the opportunity to share his interest in Italian language, culture and traditions to a diverse range of students. During this time, he also acquired experience in curriculum management. Francesco currently prepares students for Italian exams. His passion includes philology, Dante, early Italian literature and the history of Italy (primarily the Northeast, where he grew up and was educated).
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.