ENG 106.03: Introduction to Poetry
FALL 2010
When: MWF 12:00 – 12:50 PM
Where: Petty Science Building 219
Who: Michael Zinkowski
Office: McIver 112, MW 2:00-3:30 PM
Get in touch: mczinkow@uncg.edu
Course Description
In her book, The Practice of Creative Writing, Heather Sellers states that “when you make creative
writing and reading a habit, a real part of your life, you increase your ability to observe, intuit,
empathize, impose structure on chaos, and understand nuance.” While Sellers refers to all forms
of creative writing, I’d like us over the next several months to consider, with unobstructed
minds and open ears, how poetry has and still can uniquely serve these and other purposes for
both writers and readers alike. As we explore the poet’s toolbox of linguistic techniques over a
range of styles, identities, forms and time periods we’ll begin to notice how poets reaffirm,
visualize, and question the subtle nuances that make life so fascinating, maddening, or dull. By
doing so, each one of us will become better observers, more careful listeners, more passionate
citizens of the world, more articulate at sharing the subtle yet vital details that give our daily
lives meaning.
Required Texts/Materials
1. An Introduction to Poetry (13th Edition), X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia
Longman, October 1, 2009, ISBN-13: 978-0205686124
2. Hamilton, Sharon. Essential Literary Terms: A Brief Norton Guide with Exercises. Norton.
2006. ISBN 978-0-393-92837-2
3. Blackboard readings (either .doc, .docx, or .pdf files)
You must bring these texts to class, every class, so that you can refer to specific passages when
you participate aloud, in small groups, or when you are listening to your fellow classmates.
Occasionally I’ll post additional readings onto Blackboard to supplement the chapters in our
text. You will be responsible for reading, printing and bringing these to class as well.
Student Learning Goals
At the completion of this course, you will be able to:
--Identify and understand varied characteristics of literature;
--Apply techniques of literary analysis to texts;
--Use literary study to develop skills in careful reading and clear writing;
--Demonstrate understanding of the diverse social and historical contexts in which
literary texts have been written and interpreted.
ENG 106.03: Introduction to Poetry
FALL 2010
Class Expectations
Attendance/Tardiness: As a member of this classroom community you are responsible to be
here on time, every time, to begin class at noon so that you may participate in activities, talk
about the readings, and learn from me as well as fellow classmates’ insights. However, you are
allowed a maximum of four absences without penalty toward your grade. Excused or
unexcused, you have 4 total. For every absence beyond the 4 allowed, you will drop one-half
letter grade. If you miss eight classes you will fail the course. If you are having persistent health
issues then I strongly suggest you drop the course. You are responsible for making up work
regardless.
If you are more than 10 minutes late, you are considered tardy. Four counts of tardiness will
count as one absence. If tardiness becomes a consistent issue I may contact you on the subject
via email.
Grade Evaluation:
Participation – 15%
Quizzes – 15%
Short Essay (2-3 pgs) - 15%
Group Presentations – 25%
Recitation – 10%
Revised Essay (4-5 pgs)– 20%
Participation: This class will consist of a mix of informal lectures and class discussion, meaning
that I will not be talking for 50 minutes. Anything we do in class (in-class
writing/brainstorming, discussion, small group discussion) will count towards your
participation grade. I recommend that you closely read everything on the course schedule for
that day, take notes, and write down any questions you have. If you don’t know what a word
means I advise you to look it up.
Struggled with the reading? That’s okay. Poetry can be tough, sometimes. But, you all have
legitimate responses to the texts. If you are willing to engage with the poems and deconstruct
your opinions, whether they felt like a cool summer breeze or painful brain surgery, I
encourage you to share your responses in class.
On that note, mutual respect of others is the standard by which we will conduct ourselves in
this class. We will honor one another as individuals and will value each person’s right to
express his or her own opinions and beliefs. If we disagree, we will not argue. Instead, we will
ask productive questions of ourselves and others. We will listen with as much enthusiasm as we
will talk.
As a member of this class, I agree
1. to be an active participant;
2. to listen carefully when others are speaking;
3. to think about new ideas;
ENG 106.03: Introduction to Poetry
FALL 2010
4.
5.
6.
7.
to recognize that there are no easy solutions to complex problems;
to consider the personal meaning of subjects discussed;
to support a democratic classroom process; and
to observe confidentiality
Quizzes: Throughout the semester we will have 3 quizzes, worth 5% of your total grade each.
They may consist of true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer or essay
questions. You will have the class period to complete them and they will emphasize concepts
and terms from the chapters, as opposed to memorization. However, anything we discuss in
class could be included.
Short Essay: The essay will be a compare/contrast, thesis-driven essay looking at 2 or more
poems. You will be expected to utilize the terms and concepts we go over from class, as well as
providing some context or lens for your argument. The first draft will be due at midterm, and
the revision showing careful and purposeful changes will be due on the last day of class. I’ll
provide more details in class.
Group Presentations: For this assignment you will be asked to form in small groups (no more
than 4) to present on one poet. You will be expected to discuss his/her work, influences,
biographical context, ties to the poetry world. Additionally, you may incorporate critical
responses as well as your own. You will also turn in a proposal, a group paper, as well as peer
and self-evaluations detailing your contributions. Some class time will be devoted to working
on these projects but you will also be expected to meet outside of class. More details will be
given during the semester.
Recitation: By the second to last day of classes each of you will be responsible for reciting a
poem 14 lines or longer.
General Classroom Expectations
Late Work: Work is due in paper form at the beginning of class. If you bring official
documentation stating why you happened to be absent from a class and were unable to hand in
work, then I will accept it. Otherwise, late work is not accepted for any credit.
Laptops and Cell Phones and iPods OH MY!: As stated before, in order to do well in this class
you must be able to listen well and discuss openly the readings due on that day. With that
understood I stand by a strict electronic equipment policy; from the time I begin class until the
end, all cell phones, iPods and any other piece of electronic equipment should be away in a
backpack, purse, lunch pail or pocket. If I notice that you have left a cell phone(etc…) out in
plain view or you are using it (for example, texting) during class time you will be counted as
absent for that day. I may or may not let you know; by receiving this syllabus and remaining a
member of this class you agree to this policy.
ENG 106.03: Introduction to Poetry
FALL 2010
Laptops may be used in class only by students having a special need for purposes of notetaking or other classroom activities. Students with such a need should make specific
arrangements with me. No student may use a laptop in class without prior arrangement.
E-mail Response: I will make every effort to respond to your e-mail message within forty-eight
hours. If I have not replied to your message after forty-eight hours, then please re-send the
message. Also, please check your iSpartan account consistently so that you are getting
important messages concerning the class.
Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is founded upon and encompasses the following five
values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example,
cheating, plagiarism, misuse of academic resources, falsification, and facilitating academic
dishonesty. If knowledge is to be gained and properly evaluated, it must be pursued under
conditions free from dishonesty. Deceit and misrepresentations are incompatible with the
fundamental activity of this academic institution and shall not be tolerated” (from UNCG's
Academic Integrity Policy). To ensure that you understand the university's policy on academic
integrity, review the guidelines and list of violations at <http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu>. I
expect you to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy.
I have discretion in assigning any grade-related sanction. When a student is found responsible
of a first violation, whether by accepting responsibility during the Faculty-Student Conference,
or through the panel process, I, the faculty member, will make the final decision about any
grade related sanctions. Additional sanctions, including suspension or expulsion, may only be
assigned by a hearing panel.
Additional Resources
The Office of Disability Services: Students with documentation of special needs should
arrange to see me about accommodations as soon as possible. If you believe you could benefit
from such accommodations, you must first register with the Office of Disability Services on
campus before such accommodations can be made. The office is located on the second floor of
the Elliott University Center (EUC) in Suite 215, and the office is open 8am to 5pm, Monday Friday. Telephone: 334-5440; e-mail: ods@uncg.edu.
The Writing Center: The purpose of the Writing Center is to enhance the confidence and
competence of student writers by providing free, individual assistance at any stage of any
writing project. Staff consultants are experienced writers and alert readers, prepared to offer
feedback and suggestions on drafts of papers, help students find answers to their questions
about writing, and provide one-on-one instruction as needed. Located in the Moore Humanities
and Research Building, room 3211.
*Note: I worked at the Writing Center for two semesters and would highly encourage you to
seek it out if you need help with this or any other class.
ENG 106.03: Introduction to Poetry
FALL 2010
The Learning Assistance Center: The Learning Assistance Center offers free services to the
entire UNCG undergraduate community and is located in McIver Hall, rooms 101-104, and 150.
For help with study skills, contact Erin Farrior, Academic Skills specialist. Telephone: 334-3878;
e-mail: lac@uncg.edu.
Course Schedule:
*You can ignore the writing assignments at the end of each chapter.
**This schedule is subject to change at my discretion and will be updated via Blackboard.
***If a poem is marked below next to a chapter please read it over extra carefully because we will be
paying more attention to those noted.
M
W
8/23
8/25
F
8/27
Course Introduction/Syllabus
Chapter 18, “What is Poetry?” 327-30, Collins, “Introduction to Poetry”
(BB). Hall, “Goatfoot, Milktongue, Twinbird: The Psychic Origins of
Poetic Form” (BB)
Chapter 1, “Reading Poetry” 5-18
Hayden, “Those Winter Sundays”; Rich, “Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers”
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M
8/30
W
9/1
F
9/3
Chapter 1 continued
Frost, “Out, Out—“; Browning, “My Last Duchess”
Chapter 2, “Listening to a Voice,” 19-32, section on Tone
Roethke, “My Papa’s Waltz”; Bradstreet, “The Author to Her
Book”; Kim, “Monologue for an Onion”; Sexton, “Her Kind”
Chapter 2 continued, 32-43, section on Irony
Olds, “Rites of Passage”; Cleghorn, “The Golf Links”; Hicok,
“Making it in poetry”; Hardy, “The Workbox”
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M
W
9/6
9/8
F
9/10
NO CLASS
Chapter 3, “Words,” 48-58
Williams, “This is Just to Say”; Moore, “Silence”; Longfellow,
“Aftermath”; Sandburg, “Grass”
“Words” continued, 58-71. Sellers, “Parts of Poems” 289-294 (BB)
Eberhart, “The Fury of Aerial Bombardment”; cummings,
“anyone lived in a pretty how town”; Collins, “The Names”;
Bukowski, “Dostoevsky”
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M
W
9/13
9/15
Quiz 1
Chapter 5, “Imagery,” 84-91 + Sellers, “Images” 101-107 (BB)
ENG 106.03: Introduction to Poetry
FALL 2010
F
Roethke, “Root Cellar”; Bishop, “The Fish”; Simic, “Fork”
“Imagery” continued. Oliver, “Imagery” 92-108 (BB)
(96-97)Prufer, “Pause, Pause”; Smith, “Not Waving but
Drowning”; Collins, “Embrace”
9/17
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M
9/20
W
9/22
F
9/24
Chapter 4, “Saying and Suggesting,” 72-83
Blake, “London”; Brooks, “Southeast Corner”; Frost, “Fire and
Ice”; Thiel, “The Minefield”
Chapter 6, “Figures of Speech,” 104-113
Dickinson, “My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun”; Plath,
“Metaphors”; Raine, “A Martian Sends a Postcard Home”
“Figures of Speech” continued, 113-23
Atwood, “You fit into me”; Simic, “My Shoes”; Gioia, “Money”;
Sandburg, “Fog”
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M
W
F
9/27
9/29
10/1
Chapter 8, “Sound,” 144-57 + Sellers, “Pattern” 199-203 (BB)
“Sound” continued. 157-62 + Hall, “Poems Aloud” 49-50 (BB)
Chapter 9, “Rhythm,” 163-69. Oliver, “The Line” 35-57 (BB)
Brooks, “We Real Cool”
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W
10/4
10/6
F
10/8
NO CLASS
“Rhythm” continued, 169-82. Find a poem in back and scan it.
Osherow, “Song for the Music in the Warsaw Ghetto”;
Williams, “Smell!”; Whitman, “Beat! Beat! Drums!”
Quiz 2
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M
10/11
W
F
10/13
10/15
Chapter 10, “Closed Form” 183-195 + Fussel, Paul. “Structural Principles:
The Example of the Sonnet” (BB) “Sonnets” (BB)
Sellers, “Forms for Poems” 329-343 (BB)
“Closed Form” continued, 195-203
 Thomas, “Do not go gentle into that good night”; Bishop,
“Sestina”
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10/18
Chapter 7, “Song,” 124-43 – Bring lyrics to discuss
ENG 106.03: Introduction to Poetry
FALL 2010
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10/20
F
10/22
Chapter 11, “Open Form,” 204-214
Merwin, “For the Anniversary of My Death”; Crane, “In the
desert”; Stevens, “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird”
“Open Form” continued, 214-25 + Baudelaire, “Be Drunk” (BB) + Hass,
“The Story of the Body” (BB)
 Forche, “The Colonel”; Simic, “The Magic Study of Happiness”;
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W
F
M
W
F
10/25
Chapter 12, “Symbol,” 226-239
Dickinson, “The Lightning is a yellow Fork”; Oliver, “Wild
Geese”; Frost, “The Road Not Taken”; Rossetti, “Uphill”
10/27
Chapter 13, “Myth and Narrative,” 240-256
Bogan, “Medusa”; Wordsworth, “The world is too much with
us”; Budy, “Snow White”; Sexton, “Cinderella”
10/29
Quiz 3 + “8 Track” Extra Credit Project Due
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11/1
Chapter 14, “Poetry and Personal Identity,” 261-65
Plath, “Lady Lazarus”
11/3
“Culture, Race, and Ethnicity,” 266-71. “Critical Casebook: Langston
Hughes,” 348-59
11/5
“Class” Sarah Cleghorn, Lola Ridge (BB)
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11/8
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F
11/10
11/12
“Gender,” 271-73. Lorde, “Poetry is not a Luxury” (BB), selections from
Adrienne Rich’s Diving into the Wreck
“Sexuality,” selections from Henri Cole’s Blackbird and Wolf
Poetry at the Intersections, selections from Qwo-Li Driskill’s Walking with
Ghosts
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W
F
11/15
11/17
11/19
Group Presentations of a Poet
Group Presentations of a Poet
Group Presentations of a Poet
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11/22
W
F
11/24
11/26
Chapter 15, “Translation,” 279-292
Abeyta, “thirteen ways of looking at a tortilla”
NO CLASS
NO CLASS
ENG 106.03: Introduction to Poetry
FALL 2010
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F
11/29
12/1
12/3
Chapter 17, “Recognizing Excellence,” 305-326
Recitations, “Recognizing Excellence” continued, 337-352
Recitations
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F
12/6
12/8
Revised Draft of Paper Due
Final Exam Period (Noon – 3:00 pm)