Frequently Asked Questions
What is the *Dante Summer Seminar* and what does it do?
Professor Luzzi's Dante Summer Seminar will bring you inside one of the world's greatest literary works, with fresh insights into Dante's power of storytelling that can inspire your everyday lives.
How do I join?
Just click Register Now and you'll be guided through the quick & easy steps. Remember, space is limited, so if you're interested join now.
When does it meet?
All our meetings will be from 6pm to 7:30pm. We will follow this schedule:
Part I: Inferno
June 6, 2023 (Tue): Inferno 1–9
June 7, 2023 (Wed): Inferno 10–22
June 8, 2023 (Thu): Inferno 23–34
Part II: Purgatorio
June 13, 2023 (Tue): Purgatorio 1–9
June 14, 2023 (Wed): Purgatorio 10–22
June 15, 2023 (Thu): Purgatorio 23–33
Part II: Purgatorio
June 20, 2023 (Tue): Paradiso 1–9
June 21, 2023 (Wed): Paradiso 10–22
June 22, 2023 (Thu): Paradiso 23–34
What if I can't make it to one or more of the live classes?
No problem at all...I will record a Video of each class, so you can view it if you can't make it to the live session. You can also watch the Video even if you did attend the live seminar and just want to go back and review the main issues discussed.
What is the format of the Dante Summer Seminar?
Highly interactive! Imagine your favorite college class, with students going back and forth with the professor, exchanging ideas and engaged in lively debate. That's our model. I want to hear your ideas. while I explain Dante and help you understand his work.
Do I need prior knowledge of Dante to participate?
Absolutely not. I will assume no prior knowledge or study of Dante. If you have read or studied him before, great, that will be a wonderful addition to our course. If not, no worries, I will explain all elements and aspects of Dante as they arise in class to help you with this first encounter.
What translation should I use?
Whichever one you like! There will be no "standard" English version because I know that many of you already have a favorite or "go to" translation that you've been reading. In fact, in class we will discuss the different kinds of translations, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they can work together to help bring us inside Dante's linguistic universe. I can recommend two editions: I will be using the translation of Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso by Robert and Jean Hollander (Penguin, 2002–08). This translation is available for purchase at my Virtual Book Club page at Bookshop.org, under VBC Books of Interest. Another viable option that I will reference is the translation by Allen Mandelbaum: The Divine Comedy: Inferno; Purgatorio; Paradiso, Everyman's Library, 1995. You may wish to use either of these but, again, the choice is yours.
How long will each session last?
90 minutes – the ideal length for a college seminar!
Will there be "homework"?
Not really. Before each class, I'll go over the reading that we'll cover; but don't feel obliged to do the reading if you don't want to or don't have the time. I will assume that not everyone has done the reading, so you will still learn a lot and be able to join the conversation even if you have not completed all the "homework."
What's the format?
The seminars will be through Zoom. You don't need an account. Once you register for the class, you will be sent a link to each session – all you need is that and an Internet connection to join.
Will I need special equipment to participate in the class?
No, just a computer/screen.
What do you mean by an "interactive" Seminar?
Well, that means that during Professor Luzzi's sessions, he'll open up the conversation to all participants to get their perspectives.
What does the course cost?
$399 for the entire Seminar, which includes all three sessions as well as all the material, such as the Study Guides & Video Summaries, that will be part of the Seminar.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
If you register but decide to cancel by May. 1st, 2023, you will get a full refund. If you cancel after May. 1st and before the first day of class, Jun. 6th, you will get half back. Unfortunately, after Jun. 6th, I can't offer any refund because space in the course is limited and I need to close registration once the course starts (or reaches capacity).
How can I contact you with questions or problems?
