Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The aim of the unit will be to demystify poetry and its workings for the students who take it, and in this way to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the medium. The unit will explore some of the traditional concepts and problems of poetics, specifically in the area of the functioning of poetic language and the relation between poetic text and performance. It will include study of the following areas of interest: stylistic analysis of poetry; sound-patterning and its affective and iconic potential; metre and other kinds of rhythmic form; poetic diction; the functioning of metaphor, metonymy and other forms of figurative language; the performance of poetry.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject should have developed:

1. Some understanding of the traditional concepts and problems of poetics, specifically in the area of the functioning of poetic language and the relation between poetic text and performance.

2. Competence in a variety of interpretive strategies.

3. A broad acquaintance with a wide range of poetic genres and styles.

4. A general understanding of the historical development of English poetry.

5. The capacity to meet the general learning objectives of the department.

Assessment

Essay (3000 words): 55%
Class test (1000 words): 25%
Performance of poem: 10%
Seminar participation: 10%
Assessment at third-year level will anticipate a broader acquaintance with the literature and a more profound understanding of poetics.

Chief examiner(s)

Peter Groves

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

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

English

Prerequisites

A second-year sequence in English or permission.

Prohibitions

ENH2650