Fall 2007 Courses

English 280-01: Crafts of Writing: Poetry (Wang)

T/TH 1:00-2:30pm, Old Main 003

Translation holds many keys to the process of poetry writing. So we will start this intermediate poetry workshop with Ezra Pound's essay "Chinese Character as a Medium for Poetry" and his translation of ancient Chinese poetry from Cathay. Each student will choose one poem from any language and practice the art of translation as an apprentice, to study the forms and modes of expression in poetry, and most importantly, the art of editing. Apart from the traditional poetry, we'll also pay special attention to prose poems, collages and fragments, and experiment with combining mixed texts and genres (poetry, prose, drama, etc.) in poetry. Works from anthologies and individual collections will be studied closely as our guides to enter the world where raw materials are turned into art, where form and content sing in harmony.

Texts
1. Great American Prose Poems: From Poe to the Present, ed. David Lehman, Scribner 0743243501
2. Contemporary American Poetry, latest edition, ed. Poulin, Houghton Mifflin
3. Leadbelly, Tyehimba Jess

Fall 2007 Course Listings