Experiencing Dante's Divine Comedy with Dr. Joe Carlson

Summary

In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela interviews Dr. Joe Carlson, a University of Dallas alumnus and translator of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. They discuss his journey into the world of Dante, focusing on the personal nature of translation and the importance of delight in education. He emphasizes the role of enthusiasm in teaching, the art of translation, and the significance of medieval cosmology in understanding both literature and the sacramental nature of reality. The conversation also explores the distinction between contemplation and analysis in education, advocating for a more immersive and engaging approach to teaching classical texts.

Resources & Links:

• Dr. Carlson's Dante translation and curriculum: dantepoem.com
• Dr. Carlson's editions of John Milton's Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained: miltonpoem.com

Topics Covered:

• Delight as the key to a lasting educational experience
• The process of translating The Divine Comedy
• Medieval cosmology and the sacramental nature of reality
• Practical tips on teaching epic works
• Practical tips on teaching translation in language courses

Today's Guest:

Dr. Joe Carlson lives in Moscow, Idaho with his wife and son. He graduated from New Saint Andrews College with a BA in Liberal Arts in Culture, and from the University of Dallas with an MA in Humanities and a PhD in Literature. He has managed a chain of coffee shops, published (micro) epic poetry, co-pastored a church, co-founded a university campus ministry, and taught many different kinds of classes over the years. Currently, he is an adjunct lecturer at New Saint Andrews College, a humanities teacher with Logos Online School, and a curriculum developer at Roman Roads Press. He is the author of, among other things, the Dante Curriculum, which includes an original blank verse translation of The Divine Comedy, published by Roman Roads.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Joe Carlson and His Work

08:11 Delight as a Key Ingredient in Learning

17:46 The Teacher as a Leading Learner

21:39 The Process of Translation and Its Challenges

31:32 The Influence of C.S. Lewis and Medieval Cosmology

38:47 Practical Tips for Teaching Dante

45:02   Contemplation and Immersion in Teaching Literary Texts

University of Dallas Links:

• Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-ed
• St. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/

Books Mentioned in Today's Episode

Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy, translated by Dr. Joe Carlson.

John Milton, Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, edited by Dr. Joe Carlson.

C.S. Lewis, "Meditation in a Tool Shed"

C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Michael Ward, Planet Narnia

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