English 685:David Southward
The Art of PoetryOffice: HON 166A
Fall 2015Hours: M 2:30-3:30
T/R 4:00-5:15T/R 1-2 and 3:30-4
HON 155W 1:30-3:30
Email:
Required Texts:
Gwynn and Lindner, eds., Contemporary American Poetry [978-0321182821]
Kooser, The Poetry Home Repair Manual [978-0803259782]
Sep 3RIntroductions
8TKooser, chapters 1-2
10RPoem 1 due; Gwynn and Lindner samples
15TWorkshop: poem 1 (last names A-L)
17RWorkshop: poem 1 (last names M-Z)
22TKooser, chapters 6 and 8
24RPoem 2 due; Gwynn and Lindner samples
29TWorkshop: poem 2
Oct 1RWorkshop: poem 2
6TRevision essay due (poem 1 or 2)
8RKooser, chapters 3 and 9
13TPoem 3 due; Gwynn and Lindner samples
15RWorkshop: poem 3
20TWorkshop: poem 3
22RPoem 4 due; Gwynn and Lindner samples
27TWorkshop: poem 4
29RWorkshop: poem 4
Nov 3TRevision essay due (poem 3 or 4); Kooser, chapters 7 and 10
5RPoem 5 due; Gwynn and Lindner samples
10TWorkshop: poem 5
12RWorkshop: poem 5
17TPoem 6 due; Gwynn and Lindner samples
19RWorkshop: poem 6
24TWorkshop: poem 6
26RThanksgiving Holiday
Dec 1TRevision essay due (poem 5 or 6); Kooser, chapter11
3RPoem 7 due; Gwynn and Lindnersamples
8TWorkshop: poem 7
10RWorkshop: poem 7
17 RChapbook due in my drop box by 4:00 p.m.
Policies
The format of this course will be seminar discussion—which means the less talking done by the instructor, the better.
Goals of the course include:
- development of a mature, distinctive poetic voice
- practice in the craft of editing verse
- stimulation of creativity through in-class exercises
- becoming a constructive critic of others’ writing
- reflection on the aims and techniques of poetry as an art form
- exposure toa widerange of verse by contemporarypoets
Class preparation will entail:
- close reading and annotation of assigned texts
- keeping a journal or notebook of your ideas and drafts
- writing thoughtful comments on classmates’ poems
- printing copies of your poems for distribution in class
- readiness to start discussion of any assigned reading
- collecting all your assignments and exercises in a portfolio
- bringing your journal, portfolio, and relevant texts to every class
Participation in discussion is mandatory and will be evaluated daily (using the point system explained under “Grades”). A rough translation of your participation into letter grades is:
A= insightful comments that actively build on and promote discussion; thorough
preparation for class; courtesy,tact, and timeliness
B = relevant comments that show some insight or engagement; possible tardiness,
shyness, dominating or immature behavior
C = few comments of relevance to the discussion; prolonged silence or
inappropriate behavior; poor preparation
D = silence or irrelevant remarks; disruptive behavior; no preparation
F = absence from class
Writing assignments include:
1)Eight original poems on topics to be assigned, three of which will be revised in response to comments by your peers and instructor. These poems will be evaluated on how completely they fulfill the assignment (primarily) and how successful they are as poems (secondarily).
2)Three reflective essays (2-3 pp. each) to accompany the revised poems. Your essay should explain: what you were aiming for in the poem, where and how the first draft fell short, how you tried to improve it, how well you succeeded, and what you learned in the process of composing and revising.
3)An afterword essay (5-7 pages) attached to the final version of your eight poems, to be submitted in the form of a chapbook (pamphlet or booklet of verse) at the end of the term. This essay will: chart your development as a poet; clarify the goals and tendencies of your work; guide the reader in appreciating and understanding the poems and their arrangement; and assess your performance in the course.
4)Handwritten comments onall workshop poems, to be evaluated by their authors (i.e., your classmates).
5)Occasional in-class exercises.
Grades will be based on a 100-point system in the following manner: 5 points for each poem (40 total); 10 points for each revision and reflective essay (30 total); 10 points for the final chapbook; 20 points for class participation (as described above and includingwritten comments on others’ poems). Only two absences are permitted; each subsequent absence will lower your final grade by 3 points. Absences cannot be “excused,” though they can be made up by an extra assignment (arranged in advance and at the instructor’s discretion). Please note: Due to the fast pace and turnaround of the workshop format, it is imperative that you complete written assignments on time. Late assignments will be docked 1 point for each weekday they are late.
A 5-point bonus will be awarded to the student whose chapbook poems show the greatest overall improvement.