Reading for Writers Poetry focuses on the the multiple ways poets consider different literary texts. We approach the works through a poet's lens, examining the practice, methodology and construction of each. By focusing on genre, theme, history, culture, politics, language, theory we place the work in context with larger social and aesthetic movements. Students participate in discrete writing assignments informed by the selected texts. Consult the Lang Course Finder for more specific descriptions.

Reading for Writers Poetry examines how poets engage with poetic texts and reflect upon their own engagements with language and genre. Students will read poetry, poetic essays, and cross genre works by poets. The readings for this course will highlight contemporary and recent poetic interventions that are edgy, avant-garde, and challenging. In addition to reading and learning about contemporary ideas and movements in poetics, students will have an opportunity to reflect upon their own writing practice. Class readings, discussions, and writing assignments will provide a space for an exploration of poetic and philosophical questions. Among other poets and poet-critics, this course may include essays and poetry by Lisa Robertson, Charles Bernstein, M. NourbeSe Philip, Denise Riley, Peter Gizzi, and Sueyeun Juliette Lee.