ENGL 200-01, Introduction to Poetry Writing, Spring 1999

Abstract

We will use Western Wind as an introduction to poetic technique, Contemporary American Poetry as a resource to read the work of other poets, and The Practice of Poetry as a resource for writing exercises. You will read Kinky, by pop poet Denise Duhamel, in preparation for her reading and class visit on April 27th. The class will be conducted primarily as a workshop, that is, you will read and critique each other’s work, but we will also devote some time to covering poetic technique, reading the work of contemporary poets, and you will be expected to complete writing exercises. You will also be required to give an oral report on a poet by acquainting other students with the poet’s history and giving an analysis of a particular poem. You will articulate your analysis of a particular poem by writing a brief essay, which will prepare you to talk about the poem to the class. You will turn in the essay the day you give the oral report.