Chabot College
Fall 2002
Course Outline for English 13
THE CRAFT OF WRITING - POETRY
Catalog Description:
13 - The Craft of Writing - Poetry
(May be repeated 3 times)
3 units
Practice in writing poetry using materials drawn from published poetry and individual's own work for
analysis and criticism with a focus on techniques of revision. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for
English 1A or 52A. 3 hours.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate skills of writing poetry, including the range of choices available to the poet in both
traditional and modern forms;
2. demonstrate knowledge of the function of tropes, image, metaphor and symbol, and the function of
diction and syntax;
3. demonstrate skill in critical revision as an essential part of the creative process;
4. demonstrate understanding of methods of manuscript submission and the markets for poetry.
Course Content:
1. Anaylsis of selected works of poetry. Necessary vocabulary of criticism a writer must have to
evaluate his/her own work. The works studied should illustrate the range possible in poetry
2. Specific training through controlled assignments to enable the student to master specific elements
and techniques
3. A study of markets for poems and a consideration of editorial requirements. Consideration of
problems of copyright and the method of submitting manuscripts.
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture and discussion
2. Instructor's analysis of the student's writing
3. Seminar discussion of the student's writing by the class
Typical Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Write a poem on an assigned topic and bring copies to class for peer review
b. Give an oral presentation exploring the use of image, metaphor, and symbolism in a poem from our text
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
b. Participation in the evaluation of the works of other members of the class
c. Compilation of a portfolio of original work, including a final project
d. Final exam
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Picnic Lightening, Billy Collins, Pitt Poetry Series, 1998
The Gold Cell, Sharon Olds, Knopf Pub., 1987
The Voice That Is Great Within Us, Hayden Carruth, Bantam Books Pub., 1970
Special Student Materials:
None
dk 9/26/01
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