Course details

Name: ENGL - 260

Title: ART OF POETRY

Section: 02

Semester: Fall - 2020

Credits: 3

Description:
This is a course in the analysis of poetry. Students will learn the basics of meter, scansion, and poetic form, in the context of close readings of many types of poems. In addition, students will read poems by two poets who will visit the campus, give public poetry readings, and meet with students over lunch and coffee. You will have the opportunity to hear the poets read the poems you've studied and to ask them questions about their lives and their writing. (You can actually say to the poet, "I didn't understand that line" or “What were you thinking when you wrote that?") Assignments will include two short papers (a "spoiled poem" exercise, in which you explain why the original words of the poem are better than my substitutions, and a paper comparing the two poetry readings), a long paper of about 2,500 words, a mid-term exam, and a final writing exercise. Attendance and participation in class discussion will form a significant part of the final grade. No electronic devices are allowed in this class. In sum: this class is for students who love or think they might love poetry or want to learn about it. The course is rigorous and exciting, one I love to teach, especially because of my conversations with students and with poets. Students must be prepared to attend class and to discuss the poems. This is not a course in creative writing.

Schedule: Wednesday From 10:45 am To 1:15 pm

Graduation requirements:

• Any Literature (1e)
• Genre Study (Poetry)
• Post-1900 (1d)

Teaching Faculty: McDiarmid Lucy (mcdiarmidl)

Is course canceled: No