Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The subject examines the tradition of modern poetry and poetics and its applicability to contemporary writing practice from a comparative approach. The subject concentrates on a number of key texts from the Symbolist and Modernist periods and examines various works which may be seen to exemplify, modify, or challenge these poetics. Students will be required to reflect both creatively and analytically on their own writing practice in the light of these texts. In the collaborative environment of workshops, students will be encouraged to experiment with a range of Modernist techniques including: free verse, parataxis, the ideogramic method, automatic writing, visual and sound poetry.

Objectives

The proposed subject aims to introduce students to a range of primary texts within the field of modern poetry and poetics, providing the opportunity to develop critical and creative skills. At the successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Articulate the key features of major developments in modern poetics
2. Reflect critically on his/her writing practice in the light of these developments
3. Demonstrate how a given text exemplifies or challenges contemporaneous theories of poetics
4. Devise writing strategies which utilise in direct or modified ways (oppositional or ironic) aspects of a given poetics within their writing practice
5. Demonstrate critical skills through the editorial commentary on works in progress presented in workshops
6. Develop creative and professional skills through the drafting process.

Assessment

Workshop Participation (500 words - 5 poems) 25%
Mid-semester Assignment (1500 words - 10 poems and 1000 word exegesis) 30%
Final portfolio and essay (2500 words - 20pp poetry and 1500 word essay) 40%
Tutorial Participation 5%

Chief examiner(s)

John Hawke

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 2-hour tutorial/workshop per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Creative writing
English

Prerequisites

First-year sequence in English, or permission

Prohibitions

ENH3680