The prose poem challenges the very notion of genre—but what are the implications of this challenge and how does it reframe the perceived disciplinary limits of literature itself? Students will learn the history of the prose poem beginning in 19th-century France through its contemporary usage. Reading a book a week, there will be discussion about form and function, the nuance of typography, as well analyses of flash fiction and the lyrical novel as potential forms of or divergences from the prose poem.

Students are required to write short weekly response papers, a prose poem based on weekly readings, and a final portfolio of prose poems and critical reflections on the usage of form.

This class will be held the second seven weeks of term.

Corequisite: Students are required to attend all Literature Evenings and Poetry at Bennington events (typically held on Wednesdays at 7:00pm).