You have been working as a social worker at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health for years now, and you are doing a PhD in human services with a major in mental health. This is your first assignment.
Prompt: What challenges to completion do you anticipate you will encounter in your doctoral program? What strategies for successful completion do you anticipate will be the most useful for you, and how will you work toward implementing these strategies to meet your goals?
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
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success in a Doctoral Program
Introduction
Embarking on a doctoral program is undoubtedly an exhilarating and intellectually stimulating journey. However, it is not without its fair share of challenges. As I begin my doctoral program in human services with a major in mental health, I anticipate encountering various obstacles that may impede my completion. In this essay, I will explore some of these challenges and outline strategies that I believe will be the most useful for achieving success in my doctoral program.
Anticipated Challenges
Time Management: One of the most significant challenges I foresee is managing my time effectively. Balancing coursework, research, teaching responsibilities, and personal commitments can be overwhelming. Time management will be crucial to ensure that I allocate sufficient time to each aspect of my program without feeling overwhelmed and burned out.
Work-Life Balance: As a working professional and a social worker at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, striking a balance between work, personal life, and doctoral studies will present its own set of challenges. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital to prevent burnout and ensure optimal performance in all areas of life.
Research Challenges: Undertaking original research as part of my doctoral program will undoubtedly pose its own set of challenges. From formulating research questions to collecting and analyzing data, the research process can be complex and time-consuming. Navigating through these challenges while maintaining the integrity and rigor of my research will require careful planning and perseverance.
Isolation and Loneliness: Doctoral programs can often be isolating, as students spend a significant amount of time conducting independent research. The lack of social interaction and support network can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Building a strong support system and actively seeking opportunities for collaboration and networking will be crucial in overcoming these challenges.
Strategies for Successful Completion
Effective Time Management: To overcome the challenge of time management, I plan to develop a detailed schedule that outlines specific tasks and deadlines for each aspect of my doctoral program. By prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and adhering to a structured routine, I will be able to optimize productivity and ensure that I allocate sufficient time to each area of my program.
Establishing Work-Life Boundaries: To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I will establish clear boundaries between work, personal life, and doctoral studies. This may involve setting aside dedicated time for self-care, leisure activities, and spending quality time with family and friends. By maintaining these boundaries, I can prevent burnout and foster overall well-being.
Seeking Support and Collaboration: Recognizing the potential for isolation, I will actively seek opportunities for collaboration with fellow students, faculty members, and professionals in the field. Engaging in research groups, attending conferences, and participating in workshops will not only provide valuable insights but also foster a sense of belonging and support within the academic community.
Embracing Continuous Learning: In order to navigate through the research challenges, I will continuously seek opportunities for learning and development. This includes attending research methodology workshops, seeking guidance from faculty members, and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field. By embracing lifelong learning, I can enhance my research skills and overcome any hurdles encountered during the research process.
Conclusion
While pursuing a doctoral program in human services with a major in mental health comes with its own set of challenges, it is important to approach these obstacles with a proactive mindset. By implementing effective time management strategies, establishing work-life boundaries, seeking support and collaboration, and embracing continuous learning, I am confident in my ability to overcome these challenges and successfully complete my doctoral program. With determination, perseverance, and a strong support system, I am ready to embark on this journey towards academic excellence and contribute meaningfully to the field of mental health.
