Module: CWR5101-20 Performance Poetry and Spoken Word

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Lucy English

Module Tutor Contact Details: L.English@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

From the Bards to the Beats, performance poetry has been an important part of poetry. However, the majority of literary criticism considers poetry as merely a textual entity. Is our experience of poetry ever just textual? How do our experiences of poetry expand when we consider orality and performance? How are traditional notions of poetry expanded by current movements such as rap, hip hop and poetry slam?

Using informal lectures and seminars we shall discuss the functions of textuality, orality and performance in our own writing and in the work of a range of contemporary performance poets. We shall examine the roots of performance poetry in Bardic and storytelling traditions and investigate a range of topics such as self and persona, The Beats, Poetry and Politics, Poetry and Comedy, and poetry slams.

2. Outline syllabus:

The thirteen weeks teaching will introduce you to some of the historical influences on current performance poetry and the work of some of its leading practitioners. All students will produce their own poetry in response to these themes and perform their work in front of their fellow students. Workshops will explore and develop the skills involved in writing poetry for a live audience. You will engage in a rigorous analysis and appraisal of your own and each other’s work and learn to develop your writing in response to such appraisal.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Using informal lectures and seminars we shall discuss the functions of textuality, orality and performance in your own writing and in the work of a range of contemporary performance poets.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: A selection of performance poetry (3500 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Reviews of two performance poetry events (1500 words)

• % Weighting: 30%