English 366, Reed College

Professor Laura Arnold

MW 3-4:30 CC116

Texts:
In Search of Color Everywhere, ed. Miller
The Harper Anthology of Native American Poetry, ed. Niatum
Coming to Light, ed. Brain Swann

Course Philosophy:
Ethnopoetics, as defined by Jerome and Diane Rothenberg, "refers to a redefinition of poetry in terms of cultural specifics, with an emphasis on those alternative traditions to which the West gave names like ‘pagan,’ …’tribal,’ ‘oral,’ and ‘ethnic." In its developed form, it moves toward an exploration of creativity over the fullest human range" (Symposium of the Whole xi).

This class is based on the premise that what you are studying should impact how you are studying it. The poetry we are reading was meant to sing out, change lives, and reshape the future. Consequently, the assignments ask you to present the works we are reading to a larger audience than just me, your professor. You will be asked to create exhibits and importantly to post information on the Web—one of the most important new places for equal access to information and ideas.

I have also asked you to take an active role in determining what we read this semester: I want you to explore, pick and share readings that you will enjoy and that mean something to you. Finally I am asking you to work in groups so that you can exchange ideas. You should feel free to link your ideas and analysis to that of your classmates, but your assignments will be evaluated individually.