Day
1
1. We'll begin with introductions. Finding out how familiar they are with
poetry, what they've been reading and writing, what they like or don't like
about.
2. Discuss the purpose and process of poetry including passive and active
readings of some sample poems. We'll do brief wall-throughs of the poems
to illustrate that a poem is not a code or message meant to be interpreted,
but rather an object or temporality to be experienced-like music or a TV
show. For example, we don't define, interperate or seek meaning in Dances
with the Stars or Glee-we seek to appreciate the experience in it.
3. Discuss how poems are an experience and an act of communication.
4. Discuss the boundaries of communications and some of the poetic devices
used to facilitate the crossing of those boundaries. (ex. Why do poems use
metaphor, simile, image, sound, meter … ? Why does music use rhythm, beat,
harmony…? Why do paintings use color, texture, form? )
5. Begin writing exercise.
Day 2
1. Discuss more sample poems (such as Billy Collins' Workshop).
2. Discuss editing and revision.
3. Break students into small groups to share their poems with each (and
follow workshop handout)
.