Course Syllabus

ENGL 2270 Writing Poetry

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the writing of poetry. Students read and discuss exemplary models and compose a variety of projects of their own. Students study a range of poetic techniques such as imagery, metaphor, form, lines, and other techniques associated with poetry. It is recommended that students take ENGL 2250, Introduction to Creative Writing, before taking ENGL 2270.

Justification

Creative writing is an extremely popular course for both majors and non-majors. ENGL 2250 will offer students an introduction to the craft of creative writing in multiple genres and will offer GE credit. ENGL 2270 complements that class by offering students a chance to delve deeper into the poetry writing process. This course is most like SUU's ENGL 2320 (Creative Writing in the Genres) and Weber's ENGL 2270 (Introduction to Writing Poetry). Students who succeed in ENGL 2250 commonly submit work to Weeds and/or join the editorial staff of Weeds. This experience can lead to similar work at senior institutions and be a gateway to graduate work, internships, and employment.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will understand the poetic techniques of figurative language, form, diction, and others in the context of the poetry of others.
2. Students will understand the poetic techniques of figurative language, form, diction, and others in the context of their own writing.
3. Students will participate successfully in a classroom discussion of student writing, commonly known as a "workshop."

Course Content

The typical section of ENGL 2270 focuses on poetry writing and addresses imagery, metaphor, figurative language, form, lines, stanzas, and various mechanical issues. Students read a variety of published poetry and compose 8-15 complete poems along with a variety of drafts, journals, and analyses.
Exemplary texts will be chosen from a variety of time-periods, cultural backgrounds, and poetry forms in order to help students understand the variety of topics and perspectives on poetry writing that exist in the writing world.