Introduction to Poetry
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Butler Community College 
English Department 
Humanities/Fine Arts 
Fall 2000
Course Outline
Introduction to Poetry

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, X.J., (2007) An Introduction to Poetry (12th ed.) P/Longman-Publisher

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course students must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  1. Define literary terms as they relate to specific poems and identify literary terms as they are used in or apply to particular poems.
  2. Identify specific characteristics of form in poetry.
  3. Name and identify the characteristics and poetic philosophy behind at least two "school" or "movements" in poetry.
  4. Compare and/ Contrast two poets and identify specific characteristics and themes within their work.
  5. Read poetry at a literal, as well as figurative or symbolic level, providing evidence from the poem to support that meaning or reading.
  6. Compare and/ Contrast two or more poems that reflect different poetic genre.
  7. Write a poem that approximates the characteristics or theme of a particular time, poetic movement, or theme.
  8. Memorize at least two significant poems or passages that are often alluded to in formal or literary writing.
  9. 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.