English 222 Introduction to Poetry

Syllabus, Fall 2014

Textbooks:Norton Anthology of Poetry, eds. Ferguson, Salter, and Stallworthy.
Catalog Description: examination of poetic forms including the uses of figurative language and the techniques of rhythm and meter, as well as imagery and structure. Includes traditional and contemporary lyrics.
For websites of interest, go to the Writer's Link. / Instructor: Cindy Nichols

Office:Minard 316F
Office hours: MW 10:05-10:45 and TTH 1:30-3:00. You may also schedule an appointment.

SCHEDULE:

/ Course #2653
Times: TTH 11-12:15pm
Location: South Engineering 118

Course Objectives

In this course you will gain:

habits of feeling and thinking invited by poetry of all kinds;
the ability to write and talk meaningfully about poems with teachers, classmates, friends, and family;
an "ecological" awareness of the modes of poetry and poetry as a social genre;
an introductory understanding of the forms, formal elements, and structure of poems;
an introductory acquaintance with the challenges and pleasures of writing poems yourself.

Major Coursework and Grades

Grading is based on a simple, cumulative, 100-point scale. The final grade scale looks like this:
90-100 pts. = A
79-89 pts. = B
68-78 pts. = C
57-67 pts. = D
Semester points and credit are earned through the following:
Take-Home Exam (20% or 20 pts. possible)
Original Poems (20% or 20 pts. possible)
A good way to increase appreciation of poetry is to actually write some yourself. Thus a good-sized component of your semester's output will be trying your hand at various modes or "species" of poems. This is not a creative writing class, however, and you should not feel anxious if you haven't tried poetry before. The emphasis in these assignments will be on effort and willingness—and simply getting a taste of what poets do.
Weekly Work (Misc. Stuff) (30% or 30 pts. possible)
Weekly work will include varied activities, such as brief exercises and worksheets. Each will usually be worth just a few points, and all criteria will be explained in class. At least one assignment (a collaborative peer presentation) will be worth additional points.
Contemplative Journal (30% or 30 pts. possible)
Throughout the term you will keep a journal of responses to brief "contemplative" prompts and exercises. Contemplative practices go back to antiquity and draw on cultural traditions across the globe. They are also quite distinct from, but nicely complement, the analytical and discursive work you will otherwise do in the course. Contemplative practices will help you to sharpen and deepen ways of knowing closely associated with reading and writing poetry.

Course Policies

Missing Class and Handing in Late Work
If you miss a class meeting, the first thing you must do is check our online schedule as well as any new or updated materials in Blackboard (Power Point Presentations in particular). When you've informed yourself by perusing those documents, you should next CONTACT SEVERAL CLASSMATES for full notes. Then, if you have informed questions or need handouts, you may see or email me at any time. DO NOT first come to me asking: what did we do? You are responsible for securing notes and using our web materials to update yourself.
Once you've gathered info for a missed class, you can make up any scored item within a week of its original due date. You must include a note which clearly identifies the assignment, the original due date for the assignment, and the points it was worth. You will find a form for the late note in our Bb menu.
Late work must always be handed in as hardcopy (don't email work to me) and multiple items must be stapled.
If any part of these policies is confusing to you, please inquire in class so that I can clarify things for the whole group.
Failure to heed the above information may result in my sending you to the "YOU ARE A DORK" web page.
Digging Class
A key word in this class is curiosity. One of the WORST things you can do is tell me that SOMETHING BORED YOU. :/ All coursework will require active thinking and engagement. If you are energetically reflecting, imagining, questioning, and struggling when you read course materials or complete course work, you will never be bored. Admissions of boredom are embarrassing, because they reveal more about the person claiming to be bored than about the material at hand.
If you do not UNDERSTAND something, do not become frustrated, angry, or defeated. REJOICE! :D You are in exactly the right place to begin learning. When confused or otherwise stumped, ask questions. Be willing to be dumb. Dig. Explore. LOOK THINGS UP. Engage others. Contact your instructor. And, yes, even RE-READ assignments!
Class participation does not simply mean perfect attendance. Becoming more knowledgable about poetry requires critical thinking, dialogue, and practice. This is in part a workshop course, which requires your active input and involvement.
Web-Surfing, Facebooking, Texting, Etc.
None of these activities is permitted in class unless they are linked directly to coursework.
Email Communications
Feel free to email me any (informed) questions or concerns you may have. Always clearly identify yourself and the class/assignments you are referencing.
Plagiarism
Any and all instances of deliberate plagiarism will immediately result in an “F” for the course. A record of the transgression will be sent to the Registar’s and become part of your record as a student.

University and Department Policies

Americans with Disabilities Act: "Any students with disabilities or other special needs, who need specific accomodations in this course, are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible."
English Department Attendance Policy:"In compliance with NDSU University Senate Policy, Section 333: Class Attendance and Policy and Procedure, located at < the English Department has established the following attendance policy. All English Department courses require active learning. Students are expected to speak, listen, and contribute. Therefore, prompt, regular attendance is required. Students who miss more than four weeks of class during the standard academic semester (e.g. twelve 50 minute classes, eight 75 minute classes, or their equivalent) will not pass the course. Moreover, each student is accountable for all work missed because of absence, and instructors have no obligation to make special arrangements for missed work."
Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism:“The academic community is operated on the basis of honesty, integrity, and fair play. NDSU Policy 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct applies to cases in which cheating, plagiarism, or other academic misconduct have occurred in an instructional context. Students found guilty of academic misconduct are subject to penalties, up to and possibly including suspension and/or expulsion. Student academic misconduct records are maintained by the Office of Registration and Records. Informational resources about academic honesty for students and instructional staff members can be found at
Academic Honesty Defined: All written and oral presentations must “respect the intellectual rights of others. Statements lifted verbatim from publications must be cited as quotations. Ideas, summaries or paraphrased material, and other information taken from the literature must be properly referenced” (Guidelines for the Presentation of Disquisitions, NDSU Graduate School , 4). In other words, if it is not your work or words, give proper credit to the author.
Code of Student Behavior: "all interactions in this course will be civil and show respect for others. Student conduct at NDSU is governed by the Code of Student Behavior: ."
English Department Policy on Plagiarism: " Instructors in the English department try to distinguish between inadvertent and deliberate plagiarism. Initial instances of inadvertent plagiarism will be pointed out and revision will be expected; deliberate plagiarism may result in zero for an assignment, possible F for the course. Plagiarism isn’t worth it. You all have your own great ideas; why not share them?"
University's Emergency Action Guide: . We are told that it's always good to review this info.

English Department Content Goal for this Course

While this course is designed to appeal to, and be appropriate for, students from all majors at NDSU, English majors taking this course will produce work that can meet three departmental outcomes.

Outcome 1: English majors will be able to write and speak effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences in a variety of genres and media.
Outcome 2: English majors will be able to read (analyze, interpret, critique, evaluate) written and visual texts.

English majors in this class should save all work for possible inclusion in their capstone portfolio.