Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/modpo
Are you someone who has always been intimidated by poetry, especially the more avant-garde and contemporary forms? Do you find yourself staring at a poem, wondering where to even begin? If so, then Coursera’s ‘Modern & Contemporary American Poetry’ (ModPo) course is precisely what you need. This FREE, fast-paced introduction to modern and contemporary U.S. poetry is designed to demystify even the most seemingly ‘difficult’ verses, taking you on a journey from the foundational figures of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman right up to the present day.
What sets ModPo apart is its unique approach: it tackles poems one at a time. This methodical, digestible strategy makes the process of reading and understanding complex poetry far less daunting than you might imagine. The course begins with a deep dive into Whitman and Dickinson, exploring their radical departures from the poetic norms of their time. Week by week, you’ll trace a lineage of experimentalism, encountering poets who have challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of what poetry can be.
The syllabus is a roadmap through American poetic innovation. You’ll explore the rise of Modernism through movements like Imagism, dissecting the precise language of poets like William Carlos Williams and the groundbreaking, often perplexing, prose poems of Gertrude Stein. The course doesn’t shy away from the edges of modernism either, introducing you to figures like ‘The Baroness’ Elsa von Freytag Loringhoven and the complexities of Dadaism.
Moving beyond modernism, ModPo delves into the politically charged poetry of the 1930s, the vibrant voices of the Harlem Renaissance with poets like Langston Hughes and Sterling Brown, and even offers a nuanced look at Robert Frost’s relationship with the modernist movement. The post-war era is explored through the lens of formalism and the subsequent explosion of radicalism with the Beats (Ginsberg, Kerouac) and the New York School (O’Hara, Ashbery).
What truly elevates this course is its commitment to contemporary experimental poetry. You’ll engage with L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E poetry, explore the concept of chance operations in poetry, and grapple with the fascinating world of conceptualism and unoriginality. The course even revisits foundational figures like Dickinson through the eyes of contemporary poets, highlighting the enduring influence of poetic traditions.
Each week includes quizzes to test your comprehension and writing assignments that encourage you to apply what you’ve learned. The live webcasts, featuring discussions and Q&A sessions, add an invaluable layer of engagement. ModPo is more than just a poetry course; it’s an invitation to develop a new way of reading, a new appreciation for linguistic artistry, and a confidence in tackling poetry that might have once seemed impenetrable. Whether you’re a student, an enthusiast, or simply curious, ModPo offers a rich, accessible, and ultimately rewarding exploration of American poetry. Enroll today and discover the vibrant, challenging, and deeply human world of modern and contemporary verse!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/modpo