English 295 - Poetry Writing

Daisy Fried

M 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Students will write a poem a week, often focusing on a specific strategy or form.  Because immersion in books of poetry by single poets may be the best way to get better at writing, the class will also read and discuss six books of varied style and subject matter by contemporary poets.  The spring '06 list is subject to change but will likely include some or all of the following:  Anne Carson's Glass, Irony and God, James Richardson's Interglacial, Denise Duhamel's The Star-Spangled Banner, Carl Phillips' Rock Harbor, Alan Dugan's Poems Seven, and Shao Wei's Pulling a Dragon's Teeth.

Students will present their own poems for discussion and friendly critique by the workshop, and will be encouraged to revise their work over the semester.  There will be occasional in-class writing exercises, but most writing will be done outside of class.  Each student will also co-lead discussion on one book.  There will also be a mini-session on the business of poetry.  Other requirements: attendance at one poetry reading given by an established poet during the semester, 2 conferences with the instructor and a final portfolio of work.

Interested students should submit 4-6 poems, any length, any style, to the English Office - Pierce Hall 105, by January 23, 2006.  A list of acceptances will be posted in the department office by January 30th.