Advanced Poetry Writing (306-0-20)

Topic

The Paintings of Our Lives: Poetry in Conversation

Instructors

Natasha Trethewey

Meeting Info

555 Clark 230: Tues 3:30PM - 6:20PM

Overview of class

In this advanced poetry workshop, we will focus on ekphrasis—writing poems that begin in a consideration of visual art—in order to delve into the intersections of personal and cultural history. Students will write a series of short craft/process essays for each poem (including a meditation on the work of art the poem engages). The objective of this course is the further development of craft in the writing of poetry. Through ekphrasis, we will continue to investigate the various devices that poets use to create successful poems: metaphor, image, musicality, voice, etc. This will involve reading poems and essays on poetry, writing and revising several poems, and critical discussion of poems in workshop.

Teaching Method

Workshop.

Evaluation Method

Weekly reading responses/poem assignments 30%; Ability to Critique/Class Participation 30%; Final Portfolio: 5 poems (or a long poem of 5-10 pages) with a 750-1000-word introductory essay and image gallery 40%.

Class Materials (Required)

TBA

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for English and Creative Writing students. Prerequisite: ENGLISH 206-0, ENGLISH 207-0, ENGLISH 208-0, or Department consent.