This introductory seminar will consider and juxtapose the 19th century British Romantic poet John Keats and the 20th century American modernist poet Wallace Stevens, both of whom were rigorous craftsmen, provocative thinkers, and aesthetic theorists who argued fervently for the supremacy of the imagination, the interconnectedness of truth and beauty, and the importance of mystery and uncertainty in poetry. Alternating between Keats and Stevens, reading both poets each week, we will consider their poetry and critical prose and look for common threads, both in their writing and artistic sensibility. We will write two short critical essays, memorize and recite one poem by each poet. and together engage in intensive close readings of their poetry.
Learning Outcomes:
Through this course, students will
a) strengthen their critical writing skills and the effectiveness of their verbal participation in discussions
b)develop a sophisticated, nuanced understanding of the biographies, aesthetic sensibilities, and formal approaches to poetics of both John Keats and Wallace Stevens
c) learn to do read poems on a molecular level while developing an appreciation for grappling with "difficult" work
d) consider the effect of meter, diction, syntax, image, and various poetic devices on individual poems
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
M/Th 10:00AM - 11:50AM (2nd seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 2000 , All courses , Fully In-Person , Literature , Second Seven Week , Two Credit
Tags: 19th century literature , 20th century literature , American poetry , British poetry , critical writing , imagination , modernism , poetry , Romantic poetry