ATS2508 - Introduction to poetry writing - 2017

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.

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.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr John Hawke

Literary studies

Two gateway units in Literary studies, or permission from the unit coordinator.

ATS3508