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Potential Literature
Although poetry and mathematics may seem to be incompatible areas of study, the philosophy of OULIPO seeks to connect them. Founded in 1960 by French mathematician Francois de Lionnais and writer Raymond Queneau, Ouvroir de Litterature Potentielle (OULIPO), or Workshop of Potential Literature, investigates the possibilities of verse written under a system of structural constraints. Lionnais and Quenuau believed in the profound potential of a poem produced within a framework or formula that, if done in a playful posture, the outcomes could be endless.
We will learn about some of the key Oulipo figures, read classic and contemporary potential literature, and use mathematical constraints and puzzles in our writing. You will produce a portfolio or chapbook of experimental works based on your assignments.
Main Text: Mathews, H., & Brotchie, A. (2005). Oulipo Compendium (Revised ed.). Make Now Press.
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