ENGL 373-01, Developments in Contemporary Literature: American Poetry, Spring 2003

Abstract

Twentieth century poetry has developed in response to many influences, including wars, political and social movements, the recognition of diverse cultural groups and their literatures, and innovations in critical theory. We will begin our discussion and exploration of this century’s poetry in America by reading from the work of two anthologies, each of which offers a focus on two divergent styles, symbolist and objectivist. We will move from that discussion into close scrutiny of collections by individual poets: the work of Stephen Dunn, who won the Pulitzer in 2001, Li Young Lee, Matthea Harvey, a young poet who studied with Jorie Graham at Iowa, and Yusef Komunyakaa, who will read at Rhodes on February 20th, and won a Pulitzer in 1994.