Reading Poetry (Seminar: Reading and discussion intensive)

Poetry is innately difficult. As the most playfully sophisticated form of language, it demands a trained ear, a sharp eye, vast reading (sometimes), and, most of all, a willingness to voyage into a created world or another sensibility to fully appreciate it.

This course, focused on discovery and informed appreciation, will explore ways of approaching poems through the close analysis and discussion of selected examples. Topics we will discuss include rhythm and sound effects, poetic forms and diction, symbolism and imagery, and the relationship between form and content. Examples from across the centuries will include a variety of poetic forms.

You may take this course as part of the following program:

What will I learn?

In this course, you’ll learn to do the following:

• Appreciate poetry through careful analysis of each element
• Recognize how rhythm and other sound effects create meaning
• Appreciate the use of symbols, images, and allusions
• Recognize common poetic forms
• Use standard vocabulary to describe poetic techniques

How will I learn?

• Lectures
• Required Reading
• Discussion (may vary from class to class)
• Papers (applicable only to certificate students)

Who should take this course?

This course is for anyone who is interested in learning more about poetry, and enjoys participating in class discussions.

How will I be evaluated?

(For certificate students only)

Your instructor will evaluate you based on an essay you will complete at the end of the course. You will receive a grade of “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”

Textbooks and learning materials

Reading materials (if applicable) will be available in class and at the SFU Vancouver Belzberg Library. Some course materials may be available online.