Slavic Civilizations (255-0-1)

Topic

What is Lyric Poetry?

Instructors

Clare Cavanagh
847/467-2360
1880 Campus Dr. (Kresge) Office 3222
Office Hours: Tuesdays 2-4pm and by appointment

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 215: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

What is lyric poetry? What are its roots, and what are its possibilities today? How does it stand in relation to the countless other varieties of rhymed and/or rhythmic language—hymns, pop songs, advertising slogans, campaign mottoes, bumper stickers, and so on—that surround us in our daily life? We will examine lyrics past and present, from psalms and hymns to epitaphs, elegies, songs, and love poems, with particular attention to the meanings of poetic form and the nature of poetic translation. We will pay special attention to the significance--be it private or public, political or personal-- of lyric poetry in different cultures, with readings drawn chiefly from Anglo-American and Eastern European traditions.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area