Structure of Poetry

I came into this class with minimal experience with poetry, having written a few very low quality poems. I took the class partly for the distribution requirements and partly because I wanted to get a better feel for poetry. I can safely say that I accomplished that. However, the class title is slightly misleading. Poetry structure is only briefly discussed every now and then. The class primarily consists of writing poetry in class and getting feedback on those poems. If you take this class, I would recommend having some experience with writing poetry.

I came into this class with minimal experience with poetry, having written a few very low quality poems. I took the class partly for the distribution requirements and partly because I wanted to get a better feel for poetry. I can safely say that I accomplished that. However, the class title is slightly misleading. Poetry structure is …Read more

Professor Gottshall brought an infectious enthusiasm to every class, making poetry feel exciting and alive. She offered insightful feedback that pushed my poetry helping me grow. She was also incredibly kind and accommodating, offering flexibility with deadlines and support whenever I needed it. Her passion for poetry and genuine care for her students was palpable.

Super chill course, and it is nice to write poetry. We did some relevant readings about poetry, and at other times we just read poems. It is a very light workload and an enjoyable class environment. Karin is so sweet.

KG is a great teacher. Soft spoken but highly effective. It is obvious she cares about her students, their writing and the content she teaches. Lots of writing, a new poem due every week, but pushes experimentation and creativity!

I loved this class with professor Parini. I took it to fufill my art requirement, and ended up really enjoying it. Each week you have poems to read and then he splits the class into two groups and the groups alternate writing poems and work shopping them. You learn how to write free verse and sonnets and get to discuss the different styles with your peers. The final is a portfolio of all of the work youve written after you have edited it based on your peers feedback.

I loved this class with professor Parini. I took it to fufill my art requirement, and ended up really enjoying it. Each week you have poems to read and then he splits the class into two groups and the groups alternate writing poems and work shopping them. You learn how to write free verse and sonnets and get to discuss the different …Read more

I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Jay Parini is a pleasure to have as a teacher. I came into the class intimidated because I had little background in creative writing and poetry. JP and classmates created a super welcoming and enriching environment. Easy grading, great atmosphere. Very glad I took this course.

Professor Karin's passion for creative writing really supported my love and appreciation for poetry. While we did have to write a poem weekly and submit revisions biweekly, it never felt like an actual homework assignment. The professor excels at encouraging you to explore your writing style and voice. I also found it really helpful to just listen to my classmates' poetry and participate in "workshop" discussions where we would either analyze or reflect on pieces. Couldn't recommend this enough.

Professor Karin's passion for creative writing really supported my love and appreciation for poetry. While we did have to write a poem weekly and submit revisions biweekly, it never felt like an actual homework assignment. The professor excels at encouraging you to explore your writing style and voice. I also found it really helpful …Read more

While this class is a lot of writing, it helped me grow so much as a writer having to constantly be working on something new and revising my work. Karin is the kindest and most accommodating prof I've had and she truly cares about her students and the course material.

I loved working with Karin she is an amazing poet and I really enjoyed the weekly poems although sometimes I had writers' block they are a major break from the work week and are a way to write it out. Karin is very understanding and an angel to work with

She is the most wonderful and compassionate prof at this school. If you want to write, she can help. Karin is a fair grader and as long as you put in effort, she rewards you, despite whether or not you are the best poet.

Jay Parini is the best professor I have ever had and one of the coolest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. His laid-back teaching style only inspired my poetry further and the class discussions were rich and enjoyable.

Regardless of your major, he is the best professor you will have in Middlebury. Funny, smart, and has quite possibly the most interesting life out of everyone on campus. Be creative and talk to him after class. He's a superb person

Worst I have ever done in a class at Middlebury despite putting in more effort than most other classes. It seems especially unfair given that poetry is supposed to be subjective. Would not take this class again.