Exploring 1500 Years of Poetry in English Each session will be devoted to a particular historical/stylistic period. For each session, students will select a poem from that week’s time period/genre to share with the class. Class members will then discuss the poem’s theme, appeal, and use of literary devices. The instructor will briefly discuss each era to provide some historical context, and will lead the discussions. A wide variety of English poetry will be covered, with the goal of finding new favorites for each attendee. Resources Anthology: Schakel/Ridl: 250 Poems Internet: poetryfoundation.org; poetry.org; poets.org; poemhunter.com
Weekly Schedule 1. The earliest English Poetry: Examples of Anglo Saxon and Middle English Introduction to Renaissance poetry; List of Renaissance poets 2. Student selections from Renaissance poets (c 1500-1650) Introduction to Augustan poetry; List of Augustan poets (c1650-1800) 3. Student selections from Augustan poets Introduction to Romantic poetry; List of Romantic poets (c1800-1850) 4. Student selections from Romantic poets Introduction to Victorian poetry; List of Romantic poets (c1850-1910) 5. Student selections from Victorian poets Introduction to Twentieth Century poetry; Lists of Twentieth Century poets 6. Student selections from Twentieth Century poets Discussion of overall accomplishments and reactions
