Introduction to Poetry Ethnic American Poetry English 213, Fall 1997 Professor Laura Arnold     COURSE DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the complexity and pleasure of poetry. We will be learning about the aesthetics of ethnic American poetry by reading it in the context of Western and non-Western poetic traditions. We will use the historical circumstances and theories of ethnicity to help us understand the political choices behind poetic allusions, language, genre, diction, rhythm, and figurative language. The poems we read are chosen from a variety of genres, authors, and historical periods, ranging from sonnets to blues, John Keats to Sherman Alexie, and the Renaissance to the present. Our aim will be to understand how the various techniques and genres open to poets enable them to produce works of art which speak to us and push us to think. The course emphasizes close reading of the texts, and there will be frequent writing assignments.   Office and Phone #: Vollum 307, (503) 771-1112 x7329 Office Hours: T.B.A. Class Time: MWF 1:10-2:00 Room: Library 41   SYLLABUS (contains links to handouts & discussion leader papers) REQUIREMENTS IMPORTANT LINKS DISCUSSION GROUPS   Graphics Credits: Macaws: Peru Explorer Mola Background: Univ. of Panama