Prof. Sarah Peterson
"The purpose of poetry is to contribute to man's happiness." Wallace Stevens (Adagia)
Description
Poetry requires a commitment to close reading. We will practice this skill, required by all literary studies, throughout the semester in both discussion and written assignments. During the second half of the semester, we will also explore the contexts surrounding poetry by investigating the resources in our library’s Special Collections. Each student will explore our library’s primary resources to better acquaint themselves with all that exists behind the words on the page. Through structured writing and close analysis of poems composed during various historical periods and in different modes, we will explore the possibilities of poetic language and form.