In this course
we will read (mostly) 20th century poetry and essays about poetry from a wide
range of countries and cultures. We will
consider issues of poetics, poetic form, and explore new ways of seeing and
writing in our own work. We will read
widely – from Pablo Neruda to Anne Waldman, Imtiaz Dharker to Charles Simic,
Gwendolyn Brooks to Allen Ginsberg, Eileen Myles to Karlo Mila, Susan M.
Schultz to Hone Tuwhare – followed by discussion in class and in writing on the
class blog. Students will be expected to
write one poem a week that reflects their understanding of the week’s featured
poet(s) or of the poetic school associated with their work; complete several
exercises from Bernadette Mayer; write and post weekly responses/conversations
with the week’s poetry to the class blog; and give one presentation to the
class on a poet from the course list.
Text:
How to Read a Poem: and Fall in Love with
Poetry, Edward Hirsch.
Additional texts
will be provided by the instructor via online reader.