Spring 2023
MW 1:30pm-2:45pm
In-Person
Form and Theory of Poetry: Eco-Poetry
This course will explore one of the most important poetic movements of our time: Eco-Poetry, which refers to poetry about nature, wilderness, ecology, environmentalism, animals, and climate change.
As creative writers, we will read, write, workshop, and revise eco-poetry that addresses many topics, such as oceans and marine life; soil and land; animals and extinction; plastic and garbage; weather and climate change and environmental justice; and many more themes.
We will also read, discuss, and be inspired by a diverse selection of published eco-poetry by writers from Hawai’i and the Pacific Islands, the United States, and internationally.
Lastly, we will discuss environmental issues impacting Hawai’i and how eco-poetry might help us respond creatively to these issues, as well as how it might help us feel hope and envision a sustainable future.
Required Texts
All readings will be provided via Laulima.
Assignments:
Creative Writing Prompts: Throughout this course you will be required to write 7 poems based on prompts and inspired by course readings (1 page per poem, minimum). Feedback will be provided.
Critical Reading Responses: Over the course of the term you will write 7 responses to our course reading (1 page per response, minimum). Feedback will be provided.
Workshop and Revision: Throughout the course, you will engage in-class writing workshops, peer-review, written/oral feedback, and revisions.
Attendance and In-Class Activities: Attendance is required. More than 3 unexcused absences will negatively affect your grade for this class. Excused absences must be the result of some unavoidable circumstance (illness, family crises and transportation issues) and will require acceptable documentation.
Discussion is a vital part of this course, and you are expected to contribute every class session to our ongoing conversation. I will keep track of students who do not participate during a class session in my grade book. If you do not participate, you will receive zero discussion points for that day, which will negatively affect your participation grade.