Reading Poetry: A Basic Course (LIT2357.01)

Michael Dumanis

In what ways is reading poetry a fundamentally different practice from reading prose? What can we discover about a poem by examining its structure and the choices the poet made? In this introductory course we will trace the chronological development of poetry in English as we carefully consider a range of different poems from different historical periods, as well as contemporary works in a variety of aesthetic sensibilities. Our objective is to ascertain what a poem is, exactly, and to develop a vocabulary to discuss poetry and prosody (the patterns of sound and rhythm in a poem). We will also read, hear from, and converse with several contemporary poets via Zoom over the course of the term. Assignments include active weekly participation on discussion boards, two longer critical essays about individual poems, and recitations of memorized poems.


Learning Outcomes:



Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:None.
Corequisites: It will be mandatory for all enrolled students to attend via Zoom all four or five Poetry @ Bennington readings over the course of the term, each taking place on a Wednesday at 7pm. Students should not take this course if they are unable to fulfill this course expectations.
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
W 10:00AM - 11:50AM & W 2:10PM - 4:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 30
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years

Categories: All courses , Fully In-Person , Literature
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