Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Unique Qualities of the College or School at the University of Michigan that Attract Me
Introduction
Choosing the right college or school for undergraduate studies is a crucial decision that shapes one’s academic and professional future. As an aspiring student at the University of Michigan, there are several unique qualities of the College or School that attract me. In this essay, I will discuss these qualities and explain how the curriculum offered by the institution aligns with my interests.
Body
1. Rigorous and Comprehensive Curriculum
The College or School at the University of Michigan is known for its rigorous and comprehensive curriculum. It offers a wide range of academic programs and majors, enabling students to explore their interests and pursue a well-rounded education. This breadth of options aligns perfectly with my own desire to delve into various subjects and gain a diverse skill set. The curriculum’s emphasis on academic excellence and intellectual exploration is an attractive quality that motivates me to thrive academically.
2. Preferred Admission and Dual Degree Programs
One of the unique qualities of the College or School is its preferred admission and dual degree programs. These programs provide exceptional opportunities for students to gain admission to highly competitive graduate or professional schools within the University of Michigan. The chance to secure a spot in a preferred graduate program while pursuing my undergraduate studies is highly appealing. It allows me to plan my academic path strategically and ensures a smooth transition into advanced studies.
3. Interdisciplinary Approach
The College or School at the University of Michigan adopts an interdisciplinary approach to education. It recognizes the importance of integrating knowledge from different fields to address complex real-world problems. This approach resonates with me as it aligns with my own academic interests that span multiple disciplines. By encouraging interdisciplinary learning, the curriculum supports my desire to explore connections between subjects and develop a holistic understanding of various topics.
4. Research Opportunities
The University of Michigan is renowned for its research opportunities, and the College or School actively promotes undergraduate involvement in research projects. The chance to engage in hands-on research early in my academic journey is an enticing prospect. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, renowned faculty, and collaborative research environment provide an ideal platform for me to explore my interests, expand my knowledge, and contribute to advancements in my field of study.
5. Community Engagement and Leadership Development
The College or School at the University of Michigan places a strong emphasis on community engagement and leadership development. It encourages students to actively participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles on campus. This focus on holistic development aligns with my own values and aspirations. The opportunity to engage with the community, make a positive impact, and develop leadership skills will not only enhance my personal growth but also contribute to my future success in various professional endeavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the College or School at the University of Michigan possesses several unique qualities that attract me as an aspiring student. Its rigorous curriculum, preferred admission and dual degree programs, interdisciplinary approach, research opportunities, and focus on community engagement and leadership development are all aspects that align with my interests and goals. I firmly believe that the curriculum offered by this institution will provide me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences to excel academically and personally while preparing me for a successful future in my chosen field.
