Poetry and Performance
Poetry and Performance Most poems are meant to be performed. In this course we will explore many short poems and a few long poems, spanning three-quarters of a millennium, with performance in mind. We will memorize poems, perform poems out loud for each other, and interpret poems with tone foremost in mind, on the theory that everything about a poem, from its form to its diction to its imagery to its historical or social context, instructs its reader as to its voice. Texts will include diverse poems in English, from Middle English tales or lyrics to slam poetry, from Renaissance and Romantic lyrics to postcolonial poetry, from modernist experiments to indigenous poetry. Formal assignments will include recitations, presentations, a paper or two, and a poem, to be created, memorized, and performed by the student.
Poetry and Performance Most poems are meant to be performed. In this course we will explore many short poems and a few long poems, spanning three-quarters of a millennium, with performance in mind. We will memorize poems, perform poems out loud for each other, and interpret poems with tone foremost in mind, on the theory that everything about a poem, from its form to its diction to its imagery to its historical or social context, instructs its reader as to its voice. Texts will include diverse poems in English, from Middle English tales or lyrics to slam poetry, from Renaissance and Romant …Read more
This is a good course for those looking to read and discuss poetry. It is seminar style, so the majority of each class period was discussion. There is a broad range of poetry covered. The only grades were three presentations in which we memorized a poem and discussed it in front of the class. Overall, it was a good experience.
I had fun with this course and, while I didn't get the chance to write much of my own poetry, the class definitely acted as an inspiration and jumping off point. We got more histories of poetic forms and were taught how to analyze
Great course, great instructor - Professor Berg is passionate and clear with a great classroom presence. 3 presentations involving memorizing and analyzing poems were the only grades, and were very helpful in engaging with poetry and growing comfortable in discussions and analysis.
I took this class as I was hoping to be able to write more of my own poetry, but was only able to do two readings of a poem. The structure of the class was strange and everybody in the class was not engaged. Professor Berg would require each student to do two readings of a poem and it did not really provide space for students to actually develop a connection with him.
Professor Berg is very enthusiastic with English literature and he shows that in his teaching. He is accomodating to students and very helpful during office hours. Absolutely enjoyed the class. But I wished there were more materials on poets from more diverse backgrounds.