Spring Break

Dante in Florence

The poet Dante Alighieri was born in Florence in 1265. During his lifetime, he participated in the political life of his beloved city and devoted himself to the study of philosophy. His most famous work, The Divine Comedy, has influenced literary and religious thought for centuries, making Dante one of the towering figures of Florentine history and of the western literary tradition. The historical center of Florence preserves many of the houses, streets, churches, and monuments that existed during his time, thus offering a singular opportunity to study the works of the poet in his own setting.

Dante wrote The Divine Comedy while in exile for his political allegiances. Torn between his love for his birthplace and his recognition of its flaws, he wrote with clarity and brilliance.

This course concentrates on the Inferno section of the Comedy, which Dante peopled with Florentines, for a discussion of the model city and the urban hell that can result from corruption and greed.

Florence is justly celebrated as the cradle of the Renaissance, but its history during the Middle Ages is equally interesting. Join us for a rare opportunity to discover Florence through the works and life of the medieval poet Dante.

Fairfield University, a Jesuit institution, is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which accredits schools and colleges in the six New England states.

Course

Dante in Florence
IT 289/EN 257 Dante

This course examines the works of Dante Alighieri, including the Vita Nuova and the Divine Comedy, in the city of the great poet's birth. Florence is considered by many critics to be the raison d'etre of the Comedy; Dante wrote of the city and its inhabitants from exile, and the work is an expression of the poet's longing to return to his beloved Florence. As we explore the places and monuments that were part of Dante's Florence, we will consider the political, linguistic, theological, and literary ideas that make his works significant in the medieval context, and that continue to challenge and inform modern debates.

The course, which is conducted in English, fulfills the core requirement in literature and counts towards the minor in Italian Studies as well as towards the major in Italian language and literature.

Topics include the history of the Italian language  (a particular concern for Dante as he wrote his famous poem in the vernacular), medieval theology, political intrigue in Florence, relations between church and state, and metaphysical notions of love.

The goal of this course is a better appreciation of Dante's genius and quest for self-knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. Dante's mid-life journey, at once compelling and daunting, provides a source of intellectual and spiritual inspiration to his readers.

This course satisfies Fairfield's core requirement for literature.

As their final exam, students will give an oral presentation and prepare a final paper (10-15 pages) due by March 31, 2008.

Faculty

Mary Ann Carolan, Ph.D., is director of the Italian studies program and associate professor of modern languages & literatures at Fairfield University. She teaches courses on Italian literature, film, and language, and has published articles on a wide variety of subjects in Italian culture. Professor Carolan has lived and studied in Florence, Rome, and northern Italy. Her experience studying abroad in college changed her life; she hopes her students are equally inspired by Italy.

Housing

Students will be housed in a small hotel in the city center. Lodging is double occupancy.

Application Deadline
December 1, 2007
Application form at www.fairfield.edu/studyabroad
Program deposit of $500 due with application
Balance due January 10, 2008

This program is open to all, including students from other colleges. A 2.8 cumulative GPA is required.

The program cost of $2,600 includes:

• Tuition for three Fairfield University undergraduate credits
• Housing in shared accommodations in the historic city center
• Roundtrip airport transfer in Florence for group flight passengers
• Breakfast daily and three lunches
• Welcome and farewell banquet
• Visits to:
• Baptistery of San Giovanni & the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Uffizi Gallery
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Churches of Santa Croce, Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Maria Novella, Strozzi Chapel, Orsanmichele
• Day trip to Siena and San Gimignano

Airfare is not included. Seats will be reserved on a group flight from JFK to Florence through STA Travel. You'll purchase your ticket directly from STA (or independently, if you wish). The group flight will depart on February 29 and return on March 9.

Office of International Education/Study Abroad Office
Dolan House, second floor
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, Conn. 06824-5195
Phone: (203) 254-4332
Fax: (203) 254-4261
E-mail: studyabroadoffice@mail.fairfield.edu