COURSE DESCRIPTION:
LT204. Introduction to Poetry. 3 hours
credit. A study of poets selected on the basis of their contributions
to trends in both poetic themes and forms. Emphasis on helping students
develop adequate techniques for reading, understanding, and enjoying poetry.
TEXTBOOKS:
Kennedy., An introduction to Poetry. Longman.
* - For complete textbook information, refer to http://www.butlercc.bkstr.com
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course students
must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Define literary terms as they relate
to specific poems and identify literary terms as they are used in or
apply to particular poems.
- Identify specific characteristics
of form in poetry.
- Name and identify the characteristics
and poetic philosophy behind at least two "school" or "movements" in
poetry.
- Compare and/ Contrast two poets
and identify specific characteristics and themes within their work.
- Read poetry at a literal, as well
as figurative or symbolic level, providing evidence from the poem to
support that meaning or reading.
- Compare and/ Contrast two or more
poems that reflect different poetic genre.
- Write a poem that approximates the
characteristics or theme of a particular time, poetic movement, or theme.
- Memorize at least two significant
poems or passages that are often alluded to in formal or literary writing.
- Read and identify the methods and
characteristics of three to four poems on a similar theme.
TOPICAL OUTLINE OF UNITS:
Unit 1: The Language of Poetry and Poets
Literary Terminology: Students will
be provided with definitions and examples of poetic terminology and language
for use in reading and understanding poetic form and meaning.
Unit 2: Reading, Writing, and Memorizing
Poems
Reading Poetry: Students will read,
write, and memorize poems selected from the text by the instructor as
a means of developing confidence and competence in understanding a poem's
meaning based on form, sound, and language. Emphasis will be placed on
critical thinking: stating conclusions about a poem's meaning based on
inferences contained in the form, language, or sound of the poem.
Unit 3: Poetic Expression
Students will read, write about, and
discuss poems based on the instructor's and student's knowledge and understanding
of poetic tradition, the use of poetic forms, biographical knowledge of
poets and their lives, and poetic or philosophical interest.
The overall intent and focus of the
course is to provide students with the language, knowledge, and interest
to be readers of poetry capable of coming to their own conclusions about
a poem's meaning based on a knowledgeable understanding of the use of
language within a poem.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Instructors may use textbooks, handouts,
class discussion, lecture, field trips, films, tapes, guest poets, library
assignments, as well as other teaching methods and techniques, in the
course.
Telecourses: Independent study of audio/video
materials augmented by text and study guide; collaboration and participation
with class members and faculty via available means. Faculty role is facilitator
of learning experiences.
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Instructors may use test, quizzes, written
assignments or papers to evaluate students learning within the course.
Grading scale:
As appropriate and indicated in individual
instructor's syllabus.
Miscellaneous:
Students with impaired sensory, manual
or speaking skills are encouraged and have the responsibility to contact
their instructor, in a timely fashion, regarding reasonable accommodation
needs.
