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 of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan
Thesis Statement: The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan stands out for its exceptional curriculum, diverse academic opportunities, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, which perfectly align with my interests and educational goals.
Introduction
Choosing the right undergraduate college or school is a critical decision that can shape one’s academic journey and future career prospects. As an aspiring student, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan has captivated me with its unique qualities and exceptional curriculum. In this essay, I will explore these distinctive attributes and explain how they align with my interests, ultimately supporting my academic and personal growth.
Exceptional Curriculum
The College of LSA offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum that encourages students to explore various subjects while developing critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. This holistic approach to education is one of the most appealing aspects of the college for me. Here are a few ways in which the curriculum supports my interests:
Flexibility and Exploration: LSA provides a wide range of majors and minors, allowing me to explore different fields of study before settling on a specific area of focus. This flexibility will enable me to broaden my knowledge base and discover new academic passions.
Interdisciplinary Learning: The college emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, which aligns perfectly with my desire to understand complex issues from multiple perspectives. The ability to combine courses from different academic disciplines will provide me with a well-rounded education and equip me with a diverse set of skills.
Experiential Learning Opportunities: LSA offers numerous experiential learning opportunities such as research programs, internships, and study abroad programs. These hands-on experiences will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing my understanding and preparing me for future career endeavors.
Honors Program: The LSA Honors Program offers an enriched curriculum, smaller class sizes, and close interaction with faculty members. This program aligns with my desire for intellectual challenge and provides an environment conducive to in-depth exploration and academic growth.
Diverse Academic Opportunities
The College of LSA provides a vast array of academic opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests. These opportunities enable students to pursue their passions while engaging with like-minded individuals. Here are a few examples of the diverse academic opportunities that attract me:
Preferred Admission Programs: LSA offers preferred admission programs in various professional schools such as business, engineering, law, and medicine. These programs provide a seamless transition into competitive graduate or professional programs, aligning with my long-term aspirations.
Dual Degree Programs: LSA offers dual degree programs where students can combine their LSA degree with another field of study from a different college or school within the university. This option appeals to me as it allows for a more comprehensive education and the opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest.
Research Opportunities: The college’s strong emphasis on research presents numerous opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in cutting-edge research projects alongside renowned faculty members. This exposure to research will deepen my understanding of academic disciplines and cultivate critical thinking skills.
Conclusion
The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan stands out for its exceptional curriculum, diverse academic opportunities, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. These unique qualities align perfectly with my interests and educational goals. The flexibility to explore different fields of study, the emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, and the abundance of experiential learning opportunities make LSA an ideal place for me to grow academically and personally. By joining this vibrant community, I am confident that I will receive a well-rounded education that will not only prepare me for future career endeavors but also foster a lifelong love for learning and intellectual curiosity.
