English 361 (1) Poetry: Poetry, Image, Word and Sound
Howes TR 9:00-10:15
Kuykendall 306
This course will provide a detailed introduction to the reading, the performing, and the describing of poetry—although some claim the last goal is impossible. We’ll start with what poetry has been, but keep an eye on what it continues to be, and also notice what it turns into from time to time. The approach will be chronological, with contemporary poetry taking up a sizable portion of our time in class. By the end of the semester, you should have a vocabulary for talking about poetry, a sense of its history in the English-speaking world, and a strong conviction that it is still a powerful force in our culture—though sometimes almost unrecognizable as poetry in any conventional way.
Since this course is designated as a large enrollment class, I am assuming that lecture will be the primary form of instruction. Participation will however be required, and discussion will make all of our classes livelier.
Texts:
The Norton Anthology of Poetry: Shorter Fifth Edition, by Margaret Ferguson, Mary Jo Salter, Jon Stallworthy
Other materials posted on Laulima.
Writing: Imitations and as well as two brief critical papers will be required. Several short quizzes, e-mail postings, and a final exam.
Performance: How poetry gets on its feet and in the air will be a central concern of the course–partially because the works studied were and are often meant to be performed, partially because preparation of a work for performance enhances understanding and aids writing. You will have to memorize and present, from time to time.