Syllabus

Course Description: "This course is an introductory study of the various forms, styles, and techniques of poetry as exemplified by the work of established modern and postmodern poets as well as the work of some of the popular poets and songwriters of our own time. This course requires extensive reading and writing."

Goals:
    1. To gain an acquaintance with the field of modern poetry, particularly poetry
          written in English.
   2. To practice methods of criticism and analysis of poetry.
   3. To apply poetic methods in your own writing.

Objectives:
    1. To do the assigned reading.
   2. To write brief summaries, comparisons, and analyses of selected poems.
   3. To practice and improve writing skills.
    4. To begin a portfolio of writing.

Grading:

Teaching Method & Attendance: Since it is to be conducted as a seminar, participation in this class is essential. It is important that each student be present to listen to presentations and to critique them honestly, fairly, and with a desire to help other students. Attendance and participation count toward your grade. Any student missing more than four classes will be in danger of being dropped from the class.

Submissions: Please double space all work except lyric poems, use one side of the paper only, and leave margins of 1" on all four sides. No cover sheets; no binders. Put your name and the date in the upper left corner of the first page and fasten the pages with a single staple in the upper left corner.

Academic Resource Center: Tutoring and assistance in writing is available in the ARC. I may suggest that you seek assistance in some particular area of writing. You pay for this assistance with your tuition and fees, so make use of it.

Library resources. The library at Massasoit is staffed by competent professionals. They can provide access to Internet, assistance in doing research, and help in finding materials.

Portfolio. You will be expected to type your work before handing it in for credit. Please do not give me the only copy. Make copies. Put them in a binder and begin a portfolio of your writing. During the final exam period, you will be instructed to bring this portfolio with you. I will check it against my own records and hand it back to you at that time.

Web resources: My web page for this class is faculty.massasoit.mass.edu/ttrask/poet. During this semester, I will be adding materials to that site and will welcome suggestions for making the site richer and more useful.

Computer usage: I strongly recommend that every student make frequent use of the computer facilities of the college during the semester. I encourage email and the submission of papers as attachments to email provided that they are prepared using Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect. Whenever possible, we will be looking at each other’s work using the computer and a projection monitor. If you want corrections, please submit your work on paper.

Disability Statement: Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in the classroom are encouraged to contact a disability counselor as soon as possible. Students with learning disabilities should contact Andrea Henry, at extension 1805. Students with physical disabilities should contact Mary Berg, at extension 1425. Students at the Canton Campus should contact Stan Oliver at extension 2468.