ENGL 300-01, Creative Writing: Advanced Poetry Workshop, Fall 2005

Abstract

This class will advance students’ knowledge of the principles of good poetry, including prosody, through readings in Required Texts: 1. The Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Volume 2, Contemporary Poetry, ISBN 0-393-97792-7 2. An Exaltation of Forms: Contemporary Poets Celebrate the Diversity of Their Art, edited by Annie Finch and Katherine Varnes, 3. Writing Without the Muse, Beth Baruch Joselow, Story Line Press 4. The Handbook of Poetic Forms, edited by Ron Padgett. 5. Everything is Burning, poetry by Gerald Stern (5 texts) Students are expected to analyze and prepare to discuss the poems and essays they read, ahead of time, so that they will make significant contributions to class discussion. The more each member contributes in different ways to the workshop the more interesting it will be. You are also welcome to bring in 15 copies of poems by outside writers that interest you, or other essays you would like to discuss. This semester, you will begin, if you haven’t already, to express your ideas through received or invented forms. Make use of your Handbook of Poetic Forms as reference. In addition, use the book of exercises, Writing Without the Muse, at your discretion.