Studying at York
Poetic Power: Theory & Practice In Contemporary Poetry - CED00004M
- Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
The module aims to:
- Present, for critical scrutiny, a range of poetry written within the last twenty years
- Contrast contemporary poetry with examples of traditional poetry
- Study poetic forms and free verse styles for analysis and discussion
- Develop communication, comprehension and co-operation alongside analytical, critical thinking
- Examine the engagement of poetry with regard to political, social and aesthetic issues
- Focus on the relevance of poetry today through the close reading of contemporary poets
- Consider a range of critical and theoretical perspectives in relation to poetry
- Reinforce the notion of poetry as the spoken word as well as the written word
- Enhance an understanding of the key elements of poetry writing
- Create opportunities for students to develop their poetry writing
- Inspire the creative process that allows engagement with poetry writing
- Set up and manage critiquing situations within which students present their work for group comment
- Install a rigorous reflective practice, through the keeping of a Learning Log
- Enhance understanding of local, national and international opportunities to engage in performance poetry and poetry readings
Module learning outcomes
By the conclusion of the module the student should be able to:
Subject content
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of poetry to the present day
- Articulate critical responses to poetry in suitable, scholarly language
- Write using a range of forms and styles as exemplified by key texts studied
- Attempt to write unfamiliar forms with confidence and enthusiasm
- Be familiar with techniques and styles that constitute qualitative poetry, for example;
rhythm, rhyme, metre, imagery, beat, musicality, shape, organisation on the page, allusion, metaphor, simile etc
- Show supportive, critical evaluations of writing in the critiquing workshops
- Demonstrate an ability to hone work through editing and redrafting
- Use reflective writing to gain insight into the processes of poetry reading and writing
Academic and graduate skills
- Critically analyse complex texts and convey findings in academically appropriate language
- Evidence rigorous reflective practice through the keeping of a Learning Log
Other learning outcomes
- Act as a supportive, sensitive and active group member who is valued and values others
- Demonstrate greater confidence and expertise in the presentation of work to the group
- Exercise initiative, personal autonomy, the ability to work to a deadline, a word limit and within a specific form.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
The tutor will give regular individual feedback throughout the module on work submitted.
The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.
Indicative reading
Required Reading:
- Bishop, W. Thirteen Ways of Looking For a Poem: A Guide to Writing Poetry (1999) Longman
- Gluck, L. Proofs And Theories (1995) London: HarperCollins
- Sansom, P. Writing Poems. (1994) Northumberland: Bloodaxe Books
- Strand, M. & Boland, E. The Making of a Poem. (2001) New York: Norton
Poetry Collections for example:
Carol Ann Duffy,Simon Armitage, Collette Bryce, Emily Berry, Seamus Heaney, Kate Tempest etc
Websites: