One of the greatest epic poems of Western literature, Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy solidified the Poet in the minds of readers for hundreds of years. This discussion-based course will seek to explore the entire Comedy, examining Dante’s philosophical and theological framework to get a glimpse of his understanding of human nature and history.
We will ask: How do desires move us? What is the connection between human freedom and desire? What is the relationship between desire and love? Why is love so central to Dante’s work? Can love, both positive and negative, truly be at the centre of all human actions or is human nature more complex? How do lust and passion present themselves in the Comedy and what tools does Dante give the reader to combat excessive passions in their own lives? How can we reconcile erotic love with divine love, as Dante presents it? Is there even a need to reconcile it?
Books to purchase:
The Portable Dante, Mark Musa (Penguin Classics) or any other translation of Dante (some other good translations besides Musa: Dorothy L. Sayers or Stanley Lombardo)
New Participant: $140.00
Returning Participant: $200.00
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:15 to 8:15 PM
Location: Hybrid (3405 Atwater, Montreal or Zoom)
Course leaders: Giovanna D'Alesio, Ronika Khanna, Joseph Vietri
First session: September 18 2025
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3 credits
Maximum number of participants: 25
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
Refund Policy
We're sorry, but there are no remaining spots for this course.