“In a moment of great despair, Dante Alighieri created something transcendently beautiful that is still with us and speaks so vibrantly after seven hundred years,” says Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature at Bard College Joseph Luzzi.

What makes The Divine Comedy such essential reading today, even though it was written seven centuries ago? And why have so many readers throughout history rapturously praised its poetic majesty?

This participatory seminar explores the fascinating world of Dante’s epic poem in all its cultural and historical richness, as we consider Dante’s relation to his beloved hometown of Florence, his lacerating experience of exile, and his lifelong devotion to his muse Beatrice, among many other issues. We will focus on Dante’s first canticle, Inferno, which has enchanted readers for centuries because of its gorgeous language, meditations on human joy and transcendence, and extraordinary development of characters—including himself and his guide, Beatrice. Throughout our course, we will pay special attention to the originality and brilliance of Dante’s poetic vision, as we see how he transformed his great poem into one of the most influential works in literary history, both in Italy and throughout the world.

Class meets from 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET on Mondays, June 2, 9, 16 and 23.

Students are welcome to use any edition. Professor Luzzi will be using the translation by Robert and Jean Hollander. Students should read the texts as listed below before each session.

Session 1: Cantos 1–8
Session 2: Cantos 9–16
Session 3: Cantos 17–25
Session 4: 25–34

This live, virtual course is structured to encourage active participation. Registrants will receive Zoom links a week before each session, a day prior to each session, and the morning of each session. All recordings will be made available within forty-eight hours of a session. All recordings and class materials will remain available for thirty days after the final session 

Scholarship applications must be submitted by Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m. ET. 

For information on how to register, how to receive the member discount, how to apply for a scholarship, how to access recordings and course materials, and more, please visit our FAQ page.