How do new poetic voices emerge? This course will be organized around the ways in which poets reshape their chosen poetic traditions by claiming their own place in them—sometimes with sharp elbows. We will read a broad selection of poems from several modes (lyric, narrative, and dramatic); genres (e.g., sonnets, ballads, and dramatic monologues); and traditions, from some of the earliest poetry written in English to some written in the 21st century Its goal is to foster appreciation of how formal patterns shape meaning-- how poems arrange mindfully chosen language in order to elicit particular responses and understanding from their readers; and of how poets play off their chosen traditions to shape their own distinctive voices. In this course you will learn to recognize formal patterns (of sound, words, syntax, rhythm, meter and so on), figures of speech, voice, and more; develop your skills in reading closely, with attention to these aspects of poetry and their effects on meaning; and become adept in using both the terminology and critical strategies for talking and writing about poetry. In short this course aims to teach you how to read and write about poetry with pleasure and understanding.

Course Requirements:

Written assignments will include frequent short responses, three short analytic essays, and a journal.