English 213

Introduction to Poetry

American Poetry

Assignments

In addition to a take-home final exam, there are six1-page papers due approximately every other week. Since these papers are intended to enhance class discussion as well as to hone your writing and analysis skills, you will be asked to turn in the papers on the readings for specific days and to post them to the class via email at english213@lists.reed.edu. Please see below for when your papers are due. You will be assigned to a Group the first day of class.

Four of the six short papers should consist of a close reading of one of the “In Depth Poems” for the day. This close reading should pay careful attention to the aspect of the poem covered in the article or Norton (For example, during the week on tone, you should discuss tone, etc.) We will be discussing writing tips individually as well in-class, but you should read the “Writing About Poetry” (Norton A3-A15, A26-A46). Please skip the section entitled ”Critical Approaches” (A16-25), as this will be covered in Junior Seminar. You may find it helpful, however, to return to this section when you take that class. Click here for more information on how to write a Close Reading and for Sample Papers.

Two of the six short papers should be a “Critical Article Synopsis.” These are on days that are indicated “Critical Article Synopsis.” This review MUST include both a short paragraph summarizing the argument of the article and a long paragraph discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the argument. This is a crucial skill to learn in this course and you must complete this assignment. Click here for more information on how to write a critical synopsis. All Papers (excluding the first which you should bring to class on the 1/27) are Due AT LEAST 36 hours before dates given below (e.g. If you have been assigned to cover the readings for class on Thursday 9/14 your paper is due 10:30 pm Tuesday 9/12; If you have been assigned Tuesday 9/12 your paper is due 10:30 pm Sunday 9/10, etc.). All papers must be distributed to the class via email english213@lists.reed.edu. Do NOT send the paper as an enclosure, but paste it into the body of the email. Late papers will not be accepted. Other members of class should read at least two of the discussion papers before class begins.

Please note: the following dates are not due dates, but the date your paper will be discussed in class and the readings it will cover:

Group One: 8/31, 9/5, 9/19, 10/3, 10/24 (Critical Article Synopsis),11/21 (Critical Article Synopsis).
Group Two: 8/31, 9/7, 9/21 (Critical Article Synopsis), 10/5 (Critical Article Synopsis), 10/26, 11/28
Group Three: 8/31, 9/12, 9/28 (Critical Article Synopsis), 10/10 (Critical Article Synopsis), 11/14, 11/30
Group Four: 8/31, 9/14 (Critical Article Synopsis), 9/26, 10/12 (Critical Article Synopsis), 11/16 (Critical Article) Synopsis, 12/5 Please note that group four has a choice of which two of the three days they want to do a Critical Synopsis. On the other day please do a close reading

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