Describe how you have prepared for your intended major, including your readiness to succeed in your upper-division courses once you enroll at the university.
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
Preparation for Success in Upper-Division Courses: My Journey Towards My Intended Major
Introduction
As I prepare to embark on my journey towards my intended major, I have taken several steps to ensure that I am ready to succeed in my upper-division courses once I enroll at the university. Through a combination of academic preparation, extracurricular activities, and personal development, I have equipped myself with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to excel in my chosen field. This essay aims to outline the steps I have taken to prepare for my intended major and demonstrate my readiness to succeed in upper-division courses at the university level.
Academic Preparation
To lay a strong foundation for success in my upper-division courses, I have focused on excelling in my high school coursework. I have taken a rigorous course load, including advanced placement (AP) and honors classes, to challenge myself academically and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. By engaging with complex concepts and tackling challenging assignments, I have honed my ability to grasp new material quickly and apply it effectively.
Additionally, I have proactively sought out opportunities for academic enrichment outside of the classroom. I have attended workshops, seminars, and online courses related to my intended major, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of key concepts and stay up-to-date with current trends and advancements in the field. This continuous learning has not only expanded my knowledge base but also demonstrated my commitment and passion for the subject matter.
Extracurricular Activities
In addition to academic preparation, I have actively participated in extracurricular activities that align with my intended major. For example, I have joined clubs and organizations related to my field of interest, where I have had the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers, engage in hands-on projects, and develop practical skills. These experiences have not only enhanced my understanding of the subject matter but also fostered teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities that are crucial for success in upper-division courses.
Furthermore, I have sought out internships, research opportunities, or part-time jobs that allow me to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world situations. By gaining practical experience in my intended major, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the practical applications of theoretical concepts and have refined my skills in areas such as data analysis, research methodology, or technical proficiency. These experiences have boosted my confidence and prepared me for the challenges that upper-division courses may present.
Personal Development
Recognizing that success in upper-division courses goes beyond academic abilities, I have also focused on personal development. I have actively cultivated effective study habits and time management skills to ensure that I can balance the demands of my coursework effectively. By setting realistic goals, creating study schedules, and prioritizing tasks, I have developed a disciplined approach to my studies that will serve me well in higher-level courses.
Moreover, I have actively sought out opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement. This includes engaging in activities such as volunteering, participating in leadership roles within clubs or organizations, or pursuing hobbies that foster creativity and critical thinking. These experiences have broadened my perspectives, enhanced my interpersonal skills, and developed my ability to adapt to new situations – all of which are essential for success in upper-division courses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my preparation for success in upper-division courses has been multifaceted and comprehensive. Through rigorous academic preparation, active participation in extracurricular activities, and personal development efforts, I have equipped myself with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to excel in my intended major. By laying a strong academic foundation, engaging in practical experiences related to my field of interest, and fostering personal growth, I am confident in my readiness to succeed in upper-division courses at the university level. As I embark on this next chapter of my educational journey, I am excited to apply what I have learned and continue to grow as a student and future professional in my intended major.
