ENG 313 Poetry & Spoken Word (WI)
IN PERSON / Tue, Thur 10:30 – 11:45
Instructor: Noʻu Revilla
Email: nrevilla@hawaii.edu
Course Description ($0 Textbook Costs)
ENG 313 is a writing intensive course that uses creative writing as a primary mode of learning, reflection, and community building. Our specific section is committed to poetry written for the page and poetry written for the stage. We will also center poets and poetic works that are socially engaged and performance-oriented. Indeed oral traditions are not past-tense; they are alive and dynamic. Oral traditions continue today as spoken word, mele, testimony, podcasts, radio, amplified poetry, and audio essays. Also, the skills required for spoken word – improvisation, reading a room, or channeling what Lorca calls duende – are things that cannot be learned if exclusively writing for the page.
Whether you are a beginning or practiced writer, this course will allow you to develop your creative writing and oral communication skills, explore your voice, and participate in a creative community with regular and reliable feedback. In this course, we strive to cultivate emotional intelligence, accountability patterns, and writing practices that will enrich your advanced study in poetry and spoken word or your other pursuits in creative community and leadership.
It is crucial to note that while the writing process is vulnerable, it does not have to be alienating or destructive. There will be zero tolerance for hate speech, sexual harassment, or any other kind of hostility in this class. We will treat each other with respect and learn to support each other as writers. Intellectual, artistic, and spiritual generosity are not passive practices. So while our learning materials may generate passionate discussions, we will honor the intellectual, emotional, and physical space we need to grow beyond what we know or what we think we know.
Possible Major Assignments
- 4-5 sets of posts to Laulima forum
- 3 drafts of original poems
- 2 short close reading essays
- Group poetry podcast
- Midterm: one-on-one rehearsal of spoken word poem with professor
- Revision and reflection packet
- End-of-the-semester hōʻike