Course Name: Elements and Scope of Poetry

Course Code: LIT 3102

Credit Unit: 3

Course Description

This course introduces the study of poetry and examines closely the theory and craft of poetry in English such as economy, sensuous language and rhythmic nature. Examples are taken from various traditions of the English-speaking world. The course builds on the linguistic and cultural conventions, social and political knowledge the students have and guides them to effectively use this knowledge in the study of poetry.

Course Objectives

i)To explore the nature, history and variety of poetry

ii)To introduce students to concepts of poetic language, form and meaning

iii)To identify the contribution of poetry to social, moral and political thought

Detailed Course Curriculum

  • Introduction
  • What Makes it Poetry?
  • Speaker, Setting, Subject and Theme
  • Tone, Attitude and Mood
  • Figurative language: Image, Symbol and Allegory
  • Rhythm and Metre
  • Poetic Structure and Form: Lineation, Stanza Forms and Free Verse
  • Narrative, Dramatic and Lyrical Poetry
  • Featured Poets and the Relevant Critical Perspectives

Expected Outcome

By the end of the course the learner should:

(i)be able to demonstrate knowledge of poetic processes and thought.

(ii)be able to show sharpened powers of observation and to focus closely on key poetic details

(iii)be able to demonstrate the ability to make connections between poetic texts and key forms.

Mode of Delivery

  • Lectures
  • Poetry Readings
  • Seminar Presentations
  • Tutorials

Mode of Assessment

  • Course work and oral presentations will constitute 30%
  • Final Examination will constitute 70%

References

  1. Miller, Ruth and Robert Greenberg. 1981. Poetry: An Introduction, Macmillan Press Ltd, London.
  2. Kennedy, X.. J and Dana Gioia. 1994. An Introduction To Poetry, 8th ed, Harper Collins College Publishers, NY.
  3. Furniss Tom and Michael Bath. 1996. Reading Poetry: An Introduction, Prentice Hall, Harvester Wheatsheafer, London.
  4. Herbert, W. N and Matthew Hollis. 2000. Strong Words: Mordern Poets On Modern Poetry, Bloodaxe Books, London.
  5. Wainwright, J. 2004. The Basics: Poetry, Routledge, London and New York.