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.

Vocabulary

I should probably sit down and read the Dictionary from cover to cover. Why? I have found that despite my extensive background with English literature and reading, I am at a slight disadvantage when it comes to my Graduate Lit courses. Basically, when I speak in class I sound like an idiot.

The problem, I think, is rooted in the fact that I have not used these skills since graduating from Muskingum. That was almost a decade ago. I am not a High School English teacher, nor am I a Community College Professor. I don't study this material closely, and teach it, every day. I haven't looked at most of it for 10 years.

Others in my classes are either teachers, or professional students. They say brilliant things in class, examine the works closely and say remarkably well articulated comments.

They say things like, " What I found remarkable about this line in the poem was the use of juxtaposition between the conformity of American society in the heterosexual, nuclear family sense and the misogynistic viewpoint towards the suburban lifestyle and women."

It's not that I don't understand the words. They are not above my understanding, it's just that... well..

I say things like, " I related to this section of the poem where he talks about banks, because I work for an investment bank."

See the difference? I'm an idiot. Every time I speak up, my face turns hot, and I spend the rest of the class paranoid that I say the stupidest things-- and that I should just quit the class. Yet, I appear to be doing well thus far with the response papers. So, there's that. 

Week 2: Beats

As expected, we discussed Allen Ginsberg and his poems, "Howl" and "America" during class. Throughout our class discussion we focused on particular lines-- giving them a "close reading"-- which is just a fancy way English people say they are focusing on every word and applying meaning. 

Our class is also centered around the concept of the Beat movement as a reaction to the dominant culture of the 1940s and 1950s. Related to this we are exploring the American identity through the various subject positions people occupy. (subject positions relate to race, gender, class, etc.) 

Next week, we move on to On the Road.

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?

Week 1: Beats

During our first class, we listened to Allen Ginsberg reading his famous work, "Howl".  Our assignment afterwards was to read this poem, and related texts and create a short response paper, which will become part of the class discussion on the following Tuesday.

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.