Week 4: Inferno

Last night, we discussed the structure of Hell. The Circles of Hell are as follows:
1. Limbo
2. Lust
3. Gluttony
4. Greed
5. Anger
6. Heresy
7. Violence
8. Fraud

Thus,  murders are in the 7th circle, while fraudulent investment bankers-- yeah, they are down there at the bottom. ;)

Week 3: Inferno

We learned a lot of historical information this week. I was very tired, and thirsty (forgot my water). But, we covered Cantos 6-10, which is the Third-Fourth circle of Hell. These circles include the sins of gluttony, heresy and greed. 

As always, we got to see some artwork and learned about the area of Florence and Tuscany. (which I really enjoy and am looking forward to seeing)

Our professor told us of the chamber of the Nine Priors, also known as the room of good and bad government, in which the very large fresco depicts good government on one side vs. bad government on the other. Hopefully, Dave and I get to see this when we are in Tuscany.

Week 2: Inferno

This week we read Cantos 1-5 and discussed the first ring of hell (reserved for carnal sinners engaged in acts of lust etc.)

We discussed the story of Francesca and Paolo, two lovers cast into hell for their adulterous lust. In the story, Francesca is married to one of two brothers, Gianciotto. One night she and Gianciotto's brother, Paolo are reading the famous story of Lancelot and Guinevere, when, they are consumed by the desire of each other and share a kiss. Later, Gianciotto discovers the pair together and murders them both.

In Dante's creation, the pair is eternally bonded together in hell, drifting upon the wind, as depicted in the picture below.

Week 1: Inferno

Florence, Italy

In the first few moments of our first class, I became overwhelmed with excitement. Our professor, an Italian native, with thick accent, exudes a familiarity with culture I long for. He explained he is a professor of Art History as well as Italian and Literature. So, basically perfect. 

He began the class session by showing us classical paintings, and discussion of what is the classification of a "classic". He followed by giving us a brief history of the Florence and Italy that Dante knew. This was particularly interesting, and will continue to be, as I will be visiting these places in a few months. 

Isn't Florence beautiful?

Spring Quarter: March 28, 2011

Below are the course descriptions for the two courses I will be taking this Spring.



Topics in Comparative Literature: Dante's Inferno

This course examines Dante's Inferno in its cultural, social and political context. In particular we will explore how the underground world imagined by the poet relates to late medieval urban life and culture. To this end we will study Dante's masterpiece alongside textual and visual documents of his age, including selections from major works of literature, political science, historiography and visual arts. Ample use will be made of audio-visual resources as well as of reading and in-class discussion. Counts toward the Comparative & World Literature specialization.

Special Topics: The Beats: Conformity and Aesthetics

In this course, we will be examining the process by which art grapples with political, moral, and sexual conformity. Amid the unparalleled material wealth of the immediate post-World War II era, America seemed locked into conflict with an implacable foe. The very definition of what it meant to be American was contested, and "UnAmerican" activities denounced, UnAmerican people blacklisted or worse. Yet artists and writers like William S. Burroughs, Gregory Corso, Diane DiPrima, Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and others refused to conform, and produced art which interrogated and resisted the culture. We will read both seminal and less-famous works by Beat Generation authors in the context of Cold War ideology and literary aesthetics, with special concentration on the politics and processes of identity formation and subject position. Counts toward the American Literature specialization.

End of the First Quarter

The first quarter of graduate school is over, my final papers have been turned in and my stress level somewhat reduced. I shared the first three weeks of each class previously to give you a taste of my classes. If you have any interest in either please let me know, I am more than willing to share.

Summary of the Quarter:
I LOVED my Debord class. It spurred numerous quality conversations with friends, family and co-workers. It completely changed my life for the better. I hope to stay in touch with new friends and Professor Winston is truly an amazing woman. It was the most positive experience I have had in a long time, and this class confirmed that I am doing the right thing, following this literature thing for myself rather than business for my career.

My other class was ok. I enjoyed the readings, and will be looking into some new authors to explore for pleasure. I did finally open up a little in class and meet a few people, I am sure I will see them again as I progress in the program. In the end, I disappointed myself with this class. For our first paper, I wrote a B paper, and got the deserved B. I have been beating myself up about it ever since, and turned myself into a basket case trying to outdo myself for the final paper-- but still convinced that in my professors mind I am nothing more than a B student. *sigh. Had the class had more direction, or focused on a more concrete set of ideas, I think I could have been more interested and thus been able to write a decent paper, as it was, I still have no idea what the class was about.

I am looking forward to next quarter, which starts in 2 weeks. I'm enrolled in a class about the Beat generation and one about Dante's Inferno. Both should be interesting. Look for more soon.