Module: ENG5106-20 Modern & Contemporary Poetry

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Sam Walton

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.walton@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module explores experimental and innovative approaches to poetry developed over the course of the 20th and 21st century. It is for lovers of poetry who want to learn about alternative traditions and trajectories in modern writing, and to develop their oral performance, analytical and presentational skills. It will be of interest to writers - although it is not a creative writing module - and to those of you who wish to begin to explore the theory of poetry. You will be introduced to formally innovative writing and experimental techniques, including writing that draws from the visual arts and music for inspiration. Over the course of the module, you’ll produce your own close readings of poetry of your choosing, and a substantial anthology on a theme, also chosen by you. In seminars, we will listen to recorded readings of poetry by poets of varied nationality and ethnicity writing in English. Rather than attempting to produce a synthetic comprehensiveness, the curriculum and learning approaches will foster open inclusivity, with a heavy emphasis upon you finding, exploring and refining your own poetic loves, listening to poetry and reading it aloud.

2. Outline syllabus:

You will attend thematic lectures focusing on analysis and consideration of poetic theory and participate in seminar group discussion of individual poems, followed by readings and presentations. During all sessions, an important role will be played by live and pre-recorded poetry readings by the lecturer, students, invited poets, famous dead and living poets and actors. Online lectures on individual poems, organised according to key techniques, will be an important part of student learning on the module.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Portfolio: (3,500 words)

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: 10 minute poem recitation and presentation (equivalent of 1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 30%