Catalog Description
Hours: 8 to 18 lecture as scheduled
Description: Designed for older adults interested in exploring the writing of poetry. Exercises and experiments with language in writing poetry. Uses primarily American poets (from Walt Whitman to Susan Howe and from George Oppen to Emily Dickinson) to determine how writers use image, form, sound and rhythm effectively. Develops a language with which to speak about the craft of poetry. May be repeated. (noncredit)
Course Student Learning Outcomes
- CSLO #1: Explain craft of writing poetry and poetic elements.
- CSLO #2: Distinguish between various writing styles.
Effective Term
Fall 2018
Course Type
Noncredit
Contact Hours
8-18
Outside of Class Hours
16-36
Total Student Learning Hours
24-54
Course Objectives
1. Identify a wide variety of poets (from lyric poets to language-based writers, from confessional narrative poets to politically-motivated ones).
2. Write a minimum of five poems based on personal experience of older adults.
3. Describe the basic elements of poetry when discussing poems written by older adult classmates.
4. Develop an appreciation in older adults for the craft of writing poetry and poetic elements.
5. Grow as a poet through course repetition.
General Education Information
- Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
- CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
- Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
- IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
Articulation Information
- Not Transferable
Methods of Evaluation
- Classroom Discussions
- Example: The instructor will examine and communicate the development of creative expression through classroom discussion.
- Skill Demonstrations
- Example: Students will write a poem based upon in-class lecture of Walt Whitman’s style. Oral feedback provided by peers and instructor.
Repeatable
Yes
Methods of Instruction
- Lecture/Discussion
Lecture:
- Instructor will lecture on the fundamentals of poetry and lead discussions, having students analyze and discuss professional and student writing incorporating terms, concepts, and standards relating to poetry.
- Instructor will lead discussions analyzing original poetry written by the class, and model the process of revision.
Typical Out of Class Assignments
Reading Assignments
1. Read "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" by Walt Whitman and be prepared to discuss the following questions: What ideas are expressed in each segment? How are the ideas opposed? What attitudes toward education are inherent in the poem? How does the tone of the poem change from segment to segment? 2. Read "Those Winter Sundays" by Robert Hayden. Be prepared to discuss what the main idea of the poem is and think about any similar experiences you may have had in your life. Explain how the imagery in the poem contributes to the meaning.
Writing, Problem Solving or Performance
1. Choose one of the themes expressed by the poems we've read in class and write your own poem expressing a similar theme. 2. Write a 2-page narrative draft based on an event or adventure you or a friend experienced. Using a traditional ballad form, shape the narrative into a ballad of at least five quatrains. See Frost's "Stopping By Woods," Dickinson's "Because I could not stop for death" and Emile Verhaeren's "The Miller" for examples. 3. Write a free verse "letter poem" of at least 15 lines in the first person, directly addressing a second character.
Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)
Students will learn a new poetic technique in each class meeting and will be given in-class and take-home exercises. Using a seminar format, students will critique one another's work and develop a language with which to speak about the craft of poetry.
Required Materials
Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Instructor prepared material.
