THE ART OF POETRY
ENG 221

Dr. David B. Axelrod

  Copyright (c) 2002-2007 David B. Axelrod

Helpful Links

Home Page

LOOK!   What's New!

Office & Hours

DEADLINES AND REQUIREMENTS ARE DIFFERENT 

FOR CLASSROOM COURSE!

ENG 221 ON-LINE, THE ART OF POETRY

SYLLABUS

Required Books

1. Although there are many links provided for you to read poetry on-line, it is strongly recommended that you purchase any  college-level anthology of poetry of recent publication (perhaps within the last 10 years). I recommend a good, used copy of X. J. Kennedy's earlier editions of Introduction to Poetry (up to about 9th edition). They include a chapter I particularly like entitled "Telling Good from Bad Poetry, but I alsoI have a personal reason for favoring those early editions. Can you figure out why? 

2. Please purchase How to Apologize by Dr. David B. Axelrod (my own seventeenth book of poetry) which is available at SCCC bookstore on Selden Campus, or at http://www.writersunlimited.org/LIPS.htm   At that website you can also see many of my other titles which are available.

3. Also please purchase at least one other book of poems by a single contemporary (living) author, some of which are also available at http://www.writersunlimited.org/LIPS.htm

4. For required out-of-class poetry activities you may go to: http://www.poetz.com/longisland/  or visit www.poetrybay.com  

Objective

To instill a greater understanding and appreciation of poetry.

Procedures & Requirements

1. Read lots of poetry including a review of one contemporary poet.

2. Write ten original poems to better understand the art of poetry.

3. Talk about how it's done through required workshop participation.

4. Find the best poetry links on the web and review/report them to for posting.

5. Write a 3 to 4 page paper  of not less than 1,000 words (3 to 4 typed pages). analyzing poetry. No outside sources allowed! 

6. Attend one out-of-class poetry event (or more for extra credit).

Deadlines and Grades

Your required paper (item #5 above) is due by mid-term. To get a "B" or better in this course your must receive a "B" or better on your required paper. Thereafter, if you do all the work on time, you can get a "B" or higher grade.  If you do not do all the requirements &/or if you are chronically late (see  Deadlines) doing your work, you will get no higher than a "C+" and of course, the more you skip &/or the later you turn in work, then the lower your grade will be. You will be required to send a  grade sheet at term's end or a "W" (Withdrawn) will be posted instead of a grade. Now that you know how to get your "B," don't embarrass yourself!

CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION  CAUTION

Poetry, like most art, is often experimental, sometimes controversial, using language and addressing subjects which some may find uncomfortable. There may be "CONTROVERSIAL"  materials in the  readings, events, writings and links such as : use of four-letter words, sexual subject matter, discussions of politics, religion, other "adult" subjects. 

If this presents a difficulty for you, please discuss your needs with the me. If there is no way to modify methods/content for you, you'd be wise to wait and take a different class. I hope you stay and learn! It's America. We have freedom of speech and the freedom to choose!