1. You will choose a living (or very recently deceased) poet (living or lived into the 21st century) and read at least one collection of poems (25+ poems) by that poet. The important thing is that you find a poet who is contemporary and about whom the critics have not written a great deal. (Based on our experience, slam poets, rap artists, and poets who have not had at least one complete, published collection will not work).
2. Research Process: You will be responsible for annotating the entire collection of poetry; completing three short reflections along the way in reference to your thinking about the poet; taking notes on at least three secondary sources; and turning in an outline of your paper, including thesis statement. Each reflection should be approximately three to four pages in length (double-spaced) and should comprise the thinking that you have done about your poet and his/her writing to that point. Reflections should include specific references to poems and involve some “thinking on paper” about trends you notice, ideas you might explore, challenges you have encountered in understanding or categorizing, etc. Use the “Poem Explication” handout to guide your thinking.
3. You will write a paper of 8 pages, reviewing the work of your poet. This review should describe, analyze, and evaluate the work of your chosen living poet. You must also include reference to at least three secondary sources – reviews, interviews, criticism, letters, etc.
4. You will share one poem from your poet on Friday, May 6th (blue) or Monday, May 9th (white) (the first time we meet after the exam). We’ll have a coffeehouse, and you will be expected to provide a bit of context on your poet and poem choice and to do a beautiful reading of a favorite poem of your poet’s. You will also be expected to bring some food to contribute.
LIVE POETS RESEARCH PROJECT:
Requirements:
1. You will choose a living (or very recently deceased) poet (living or lived into the 21st century) and read at least one collection of poems (25+ poems) by that poet. The important thing is that you find a poet who is contemporary and about whom the critics have not written a great deal. (Based on our experience, slam poets, rap artists, and poets who have not had at least one complete, published collection will not work).
2. Research Process: You will be responsible for annotating the entire collection of poetry; completing three short reflections along the way in reference to your thinking about the poet; taking notes on at least three secondary sources; and turning in an outline of your paper, including thesis statement. Each reflection should be approximately three to four pages in length (double-spaced) and should comprise the thinking that you have done about your poet and his/her writing to that point. Reflections should include specific references to poems and involve some “thinking on paper” about trends you notice, ideas you might explore, challenges you have encountered in understanding or categorizing, etc. Use the “Poem Explication” handout to guide your thinking.
3. You will write a paper of 8 pages, reviewing the work of your poet. This review should describe, analyze, and evaluate the work of your chosen living poet. You must also include reference to at least three secondary sources – reviews, interviews, criticism, letters, etc.
4. You will share one poem from your poet on Friday, May 6th (blue) or Monday, May 9th (white) (the first time we meet after the exam). We’ll have a coffeehouse, and you will be expected to provide a bit of context on your poet and poem choice and to do a beautiful reading of a favorite poem of your poet’s. You will also be expected to bring some food to contribute.
Graded Elements: