Throughout the ages, expressions of passion and commitment have been central to love poets. This course will focus on the medieval foundations of Italian poetry—and by extension, the rebirth of European literature. The movement known as the dolce stil nuovo (sweet new style) redefined love in the late Middle Ages; no longer was love simply the pastime of medieval nobles, but it was now elevated to a philosophical or religious plane. The great poet Dante Alighieri (1260-1321), author of the Divine Comedy, was at the center of this literary movement, as his youthful experience with love poetry shaped him as an artist. Dante’s Vita Nuova (New Life) probably represents the pinnacle of his love poetry, and very likely the pinnacle of the literature of the dolce stil nuovo.
NEW – Hybrid Course Format
- All classes will be delivered both in person and online via live video streaming. Students will enroll in their preferred format during registration.
- In person classes will be held in the Rubel Room at the University of Arizona’s Poetry Center (1508 E Helen St, Tucson, AZ 85721). Enrollment for in person classes is limited by classroom capacity and offered on a first come, first served basis. All students attending on campus will observe the relevant University of Arizona policies designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 (more information here). Students who enroll to attend in person will also have complete online access to the course including all class recordings.
- Online students may attend all classes via live video streaming and will be able to participate in all course Q&A sessions with the professor in real time. Students may also access class recordings for a limited time to assist those who may not be able to attend the live class times. Online access will be password protected and only available to enrolled students.
Registration will open online on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 8 AM (AZ Time)
