Module: CWR4102-20 Reading to Write Poetry

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Carrie Etter

Module Tutor Contact Details: C.Etter@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module is designed to teach students the fundamental importance of reading to the writing of poetry. You will be taught that the progression of the writing will not be possible without a capacity to read poetry intelligently. Reading will be assessed: each student in the group will be invited to do a presentation on the state of his/her reading during the Semester; he/she will also be supported in carrying out an in-depth study of an individual poem of his/her choice, and the traditional Critical Commentary will be replaced by a Reading Paper exploring the lessons drawn from reading during the Semester.

You will also be encouraged to write one brief review of one of the poets appearing as part of the Bath Spa Stand Up Poetry Series. You will be encouraged to draw upon your influences in the writing of at least one poem per week, to be brought to sessions for workshopping. Running parallel with the stress on reading there will also be sessions devoted to an understanding of the importance of syntax and Creative punctuation as a means of artistic control. The overall aim of this module is to cultivate a living cross-pollination between the reading and writing of poetry. The result of this, it is to be hoped, is that individual students will personally break new ground, not only vastly improving a capacity to write poems but evolving by practice a critical language.

2. Outline syllabus:

The following is an indication of the course content and may be adapted according to the needs of the students and/or tutor.

Study Focus One: How to read an individual poem

Study Focus Two: How to understand the relationship between reading and writing

Study Focus Three: How to understand the nature of influence

Study Focus Three: How to identify the elements which make an individual poem both complete and successful

Study Focus Four: How to incorporate the lessons of reading into a student’s work

Study Focus Five: How to use creative punctuation

Study Focus Six: What is Syntax? How to master it.

Study Focus Seven: How to judge when an individual poem is complete

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The workshop will be the fundamental learning vehicle of this module. You will be expected to bring at least one new poem – incorporating the lessons of your reading in the previous week – to each session. Each student in turn will be expected to deliver a short presentation on the current state of his/her reading. You will be expected to write one review of one poet appearing in the Bath Spa University Stand Up Poetry Series. Every week, the tutor will deliver a short treatment of a particular issue and this may help to frame self-study during the ensuing week.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Creative Folder of Poems

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Context Folder

• % Weighting: 50%