English and American Poetry

🌟 English and American Poetry: A Reader's Guide to the Poems by 32 Major Poets 🌟

Course Overview: This course is a comprehensive exploration of English and American poetry, meticulously crafted from a curriculum I taught in both America and China. It serves as an advanced guide for undergraduate students, graduate students, and avid poetry enthusiasts seeking to delve into the rich tapestry of English and American poetry. This 11-week journey through the works of 32 major poets is organized to cover three poets per week, offering a balance between depth and breadth in your poetic education.

What You'll Learn:

• Elements of Poetry: We'll begin by familiarizing ourselves with the fundamental elements that constitute poetry: voice, rhyme, meter, imagery, word choice, sentence dictation, structure, and figure of speech, among others.

• English Poetic Tradition: From Chaucer to Hardy, we'll explore the works of influential English poets, including:

  • Geoffrey Chaucer: We'll uncover his dual personas as an implicit ironist and a gullible appreciator of vitality.
  • Edmund Spenser: We'll delve into his theoretical asceticism and sensuous garden themes.
  • William Shakespeare: Through his tragedies, split minds, and negative capability, we'll understand why he remains one of the most studied poets.

• Metaphysical Poets and John Milton: We'll examine the intricate metaphysical conceits of John Donne and explore the paradisiacal vs. Satanic themes in the works of Andrew Marvell, George Herbert, and John Milton.

• Romantic Poetic Explosion: From the lyrical beauty of William Wordsworth to the melancholic solipsism of Thomas Hardy, we'll journey through the Romantic era's most profound expressions of emotion and nature.

• Early 20th Century Modernists: We'll witness the transformation of poetry through the works of W.B. Yeats, T.S. Eliot, and Dylan Thomas, who redefined what it means to be a poet in the modern age.

• American Poetic Voices: Starting with Walt Whitman's cosmic self and Emily Dickinson's contemplation of nothingness and being, we'll explore the distinct voices that shaped American poetry, including:

  • Ezra Pound: His role as an inventor of modern poetics.
  • Marianna Moore: Her unique perspective with the famous line "real toes in an imaginary garden."
  • William Carlos Williams: His shift from European influences to defining a new American poetic voice.

• The Beat Generation, Confessional Poets, and Zen Influences: We'll investigate the manifesto of the Beat Generation with Allen Ginsberg, the confessional life studies of Robert Lowell, and the Taoist and Zen influences in W.S. Merwin's work.

Why Take This Course?

• Diverse Perspectives: Engage with a wide range of poetic styles, themes, and historical contexts.
• Interactive Learning: Participate in discussions, analysis, and critical thinking about the poems and their meanings.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from an instructor with extensive experience teaching English and American poetry.
• Cultural Connection: Understand how historical events and cultural shifts influenced these poets' works.
• Personal Growth: Develop a deeper appreciation for the art of poetry and enhance your analytical skills.

Enroll Now to Embark on a Poetic Journey Like No Other! 📖✍️✨

Whether you're a seasoned poetry aficionado or new to the world of verses, this course will offer you a unique perspective and in-depth knowledge that will enrich your understanding and love for English and American poetry. Join us on this literary adventure and transform the way you experience and interpret poetry! 🌈🏰🍃🎨