Short Course Description
What is poetry? What is the poetic? In this seminar we will seek after these ever-elusive definitions while recognizing that, according to at least some theorizations, this very search stands opposed to its object. We will divide our time between reading theoretical texts, mostly from the twentieth century, and reading poems, both old and new, mainstream and experimental. The interaction between the theoretical texts and the poetic texts will itself become a focus. Because we will be grappling with questions about the ethical value of poetry, the limits of language, and the significance of form, my hope is that the seminar will be of interest even to people who are not directly working on poetry.
Note: Attendance is mandatory for this course.
Full syllabus will be available to registered students only
