Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy from edX

Dante’s comedy is one of the most widely-translated and published works of all time. Written in 1300, it deals with themes which are still relevant today, and which makes today’s generations feel closer «to that love that moves the sun and other stars.

This course looks at the poetry in the journey that the poet-character Dante takes his readers on from the human to the “divine”. It will focus on the scientific aspects, which have, in general, received less interest on the part of critics. Although largely ignored by literary critics, Dante has been widely studied by scientists both past and present.

You will be escorted on your journey through Dante’s comedy by characters like Beatrice, Pier delle Vigne and Ulysses, but also by some of the most famous scientists, like Albert Einstein, to see how Dante Alighieri’s description of the cosmos in 1300 was later verified by modern science.

In this way, the Comedy succeeds in conveying how precious Dante's thoughts are and shows 21st century readers that science and poetry do not have to be separated but constitute the unity of universal knowledge.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The mix of poetry and science in dante’s work
Symmetry in the structure of dante’s work and in the universe

Possible interpretations and readings of the comedy
Importance of numerology in the comedy

The mix of poetry and science in dante’s work
Symmetry in the structure of dante’s work and in the universe
Possible interpretations and readings of the comedy
Importance of numerology in the comedy

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Investigates the fusion between poetry and science, which is a unique perspective

Delves into the scientific aspects of Dante's work, which is a perspective often overlooked

Relevant to students with diverse backgrounds in literature, science, and general knowledge

Taught by instructors with expertise in Dante's work and science

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy with these activities:

Refresh your understanding of Italian history and culture

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Some background knowledge about Italian culture will help us better understand the text. Take some time to review this content before class begins.

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Read articles or books about Italian history and culture.
Watch documentaries or films about Italian history and culture.

Review basic literary analysis skills

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This course will require familiarity with literary analysis skills. Brush up on these skills before the course begins.

Browse courses on Literary Analysis

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Read articles or books about literary analysis.
Practice analyzing poems or other literary texts.

Review poetic terminology and historical contexts

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Before we proceed through this course, it will be helpful to refresh our understanding of historical context and key literary terms. This will strengthen your comprehension of *The Divine Comedy*

Browse courses on Figurative Language

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Review key poetic terms and definitions.
Learn about the historical context of the work and author.

Five other activities

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Read The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

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The primary text for this course is *The Divine Comedy*. Reading this book and completing all assignments will supplement your learning by giving you a deep understanding of the themes, characters, and structure of the narrative.

View The Divine Comedy on Amazon

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Read the text of Inferno, including any annotations or supplementary text.
Read the text of Purgatorio and Paradiso.

Analyze poetic devices within *The Divine Comedy*

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Dante uses a wide variety of poetic devices to portray his vision of the afterlife. Analyzing these devices will not only improve your English and reading skills, but it will improve our understanding of the text.

Browse courses on Analysis

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Identify a section of text.
Identify and analyze literary devices that the author uses.
Explain how the device contributes to the meaning of the text.

Create a playlist inspired by the journey of Dante

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Music has the power to transport us to other worlds and evoke strong emotions. Use this power to create a unique interpretation of *The Divine Comedy*

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Listen to music that reflects the tone and themes of the Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.
Create a playlist with 10-15 songs.
Write a brief explanation of how each song relates to the journey of Dante.

Discuss interpretations of *The Divine Comedy*

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Dante's work has been interpreted in numerous ways since it was written. Meet with your classmates to discuss different scholarly approaches to the text.

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Read scholarly articles and essays on *The Divine Comedy*.
Meet with a group to compare notes and discuss interpretations.
Share your findings with the class.

Write a research paper on a topic related to *The Divine Comedy*

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To synthesize the many themes and ideas within *The Divine Comedy*, write a research paper about a related topic of your choice.

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Choose a topic that you are interested in.
Do research on your topic.
Create an outline for your paper.
Write your paper.
Submit your paper to your classmates for feedback.
Revise your paper based on feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Poet

A Poet uses language, especially figurative language, to convey a beautiful or emotional experience. A course called "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" provides insight into how science and poetry can come together to create literature that explores the human condition and the universe. This course can help aspiring Poets learn how to use both logic and emotion in their work, and can be especially helpful for those who are interested in exploring the themes of science and nature in their writing.

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Author

An Author writes books, articles, or other written works. The course "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can teach Authors how to craft narratives that explore complex themes and ideas, and how to use language in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful. This course can be especially helpful for Authors who are interested in writing about science or nature, or who want to explore the human condition in their work.

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Writer

A Writer creates written works, such as books, articles, or scripts. Taking a course on "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can be beneficial for Writers who want to learn how to use language in a creative and evocative way. This course can help Writers understand how to structure a narrative, develop characters, and explore complex themes. It can also be helpful for Writers who are interested in writing about science or nature.

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Educator

An Educator teaches students at any level, from preschool through graduate school. The course "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can be beneficial for Educators who want to learn how to teach literature and writing in a way that is engaging and informative. This course can help Educators understand the historical and cultural context of Dante's work, and how to use it to teach students about poetry, science, and the human condition.

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Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. The course "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can be beneficial for Professors who want to learn more about Dante's work and how it can be used to teach students about literature, science, and the human condition. This course can help Professors develop new lesson plans and teaching strategies, and can also help them to conduct research on Dante's work.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer writes about scientific topics for a general audience. A course called "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Science Writers learn how to communicate complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way. This course can also help Science Writers develop a deeper understanding of the history and philosophy of science, which can be beneficial for writing about the latest scientific discoveries.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. The course "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Technical Writers learn how to write clear and concise technical documents. This course can also help Technical Writers develop a deeper understanding of the scientific concepts that they are writing about, which can make their writing more accurate and informative.

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Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science at the elementary, middle, or high school level. A course called "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Science Teachers learn how to teach science in a way that is both engaging and informative. This course can also help Science Teachers develop a deeper understanding of the history and philosophy of science, which can be beneficial for teaching students about the nature of science.

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Librarian

A Librarian helps people find and use information. A course called "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Librarians learn about the history of science and literature, and how to find and use resources on these topics. This course can also help Librarians develop a deeper understanding of the different ways that people use information, which can be beneficial for providing better library services.

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Archivist

An Archivist preserves and makes accessible historical documents. The course "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can be beneficial for Archivists who want to learn more about the history of science and literature, and how to preserve and make accessible historical documents on these topics. This course can help Archivists understand the different types of historical documents that exist, and how to care for and preserve them.

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Museum curator

A Museum Curator plans and oversees exhibitions, and cares for a museum's collection of artifacts. The course "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Museum Curators learn about the history of science and literature, and how to curate exhibitions on these topics. This course can also help Museum Curators develop a deeper understanding of the different types of artifacts that exist, and how to care for and preserve them.

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Historian

A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. A course called "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Historians learn about the history of science and literature, and how to research and write about these topics. This course can also help Historians develop a deeper understanding of the different ways that people have thought about the world throughout history.

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Philosopher

A Philosopher studies the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. A course called "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Philosophers learn about the history of science and literature, and how to apply philosophical concepts to these topics. This course can also help Philosophers develop a deeper understanding of the different ways that people have thought about the world throughout history.

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Theologian

A Theologian studies the nature of God and religious beliefs. A course called "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Theologians learn about the history of science and literature, and how to apply theological concepts to these topics. This course can also help Theologians develop a deeper understanding of the different ways that people have thought about God and religion throughout history.

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Religious Studies Scholar

A Religious Studies Scholar researches and teaches about religion. A course called "Dante Alighieri: Science and poetry in The Divine Comedy" can help Religious Studies Scholars learn about the history of science and literature, and how to apply religious studies concepts to these topics. This course can also help Religious Studies Scholars develop a deeper understanding of the different ways that people have thought about religion throughout history.

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