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Cary Nelson
Twelve experienced faculty members from across the United States present their analyses of ground-breaking modern American poets in richly illustrated video lectures.
Read more
Twelve experienced faculty members from across the United States present their analyses of ground-breaking modern American poets in richly illustrated video lectures.
Read more
Twelve experienced faculty members from across the United States present their analyses of ground-breaking modern American poets in richly illustrated video lectures.
The course highlights both major poets—from Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson through T.S. Eliot, H.D., Amy Lowell, Hart Crane, Langston Hughes, Muriel Rukeyser, and many others—and influential movements. The course mixes historical overview with close readings of individual poets and poems. Most courses give only one instructor’s point of view. This one matches the diversity of US poetry with lectures by a score of talented faculty. They bring their special perspective to the material while also presenting a coherent view of more than fifty years of US poetry.
Throughout the course the lectures are illustrated with vivid images of the events, people, and places mentioned in the poems themselves. Readings by both the poets themselves and experienced faculty highlight the texts. On screen displays of text and quotations make it easy to follow the material. This is a course that takes advantage of the medium to bring you sights and sounds that would be difficult to incorporate in classroom lectures.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ujwlb/modern
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What's inside
Syllabus
Orientation
Module 1
Reassessing Modernism's Origins
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Syllabus
Orientation
Module 1
Reassessing Modernism's Origins
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Module 2
The Difference Women Made
Module 3
Poetry's Social Voice
Module 4
Modernism's Legacies
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces learners to major figures and movements in modern American poetry
Covers a broad range of poets, from Walt Whitman to Muriel Rukeyser
Analyzes the historical and social context of the poems
Features vivid illustrations and readings by the poets themselves
Presented by a diverse group of experienced faculty members
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern American poetry
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Reviews summary
Thought-provoking modern poetry
Learners say that Modern American Poetry is a well-received course largely due to its engaging lectures on a comprehensive history of modern American poetry. Students especially appreciate the wide range of terrific poets studied in the course. While the course is largely positive, some learners have expressed concerns around accessing the recommended reading and the lectures' monotonous delivery. However, others have praised the course's political engagement and altered format for some of its modules.
Variety in lecture formats, including altered modules.
"Although apart from that, that module was great and refreshing, because of an altered format."
Course brings historical and contemporary political issues into discussion.
"One of the things that makes ModPo unique is its political engagement."
Comprehensive exploration of modern American poetry.
"The history of modern American poetry is vast and many layered and this course proved it."
Thought-provoking lectures on various poets and movements.
"The lectures were excellent and thorough."
Lectures lack visual and interactive elements.
"The lectures sounded as if they were being read word for word."
Difficulty in accessing recommended reading materials.
"Sometimes I couldn't find a copy of the poem available to read in the public domain."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Modern American Poetry with these
activities:
Walt Whitman
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of American poetry by reading one of the seminal works of the movement.
Show steps
-
Read through the book and take notes on key themes and ideas.
-
Write a summary of the book and its significance in American literature.
Watch video lectures on modern American poetry
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of modern American poetry by watching video lectures.
Show steps
-
Find video lectures on modern American poetry.
-
Watch the lectures and take notes.
The Development of American Poetry
Show steps
Gain fluency in American literary history and criticism by reviewing this book.
Show steps
-
Read an overview of American literature.
-
Read chapters on specific poets and poems.
-
Take notes on key themes and ideas.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Attend a virtual poetry reading
Show steps
Engage with poetry and fellow students by attending a virtual poetry reading.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
-
Find a virtual poetry reading to attend.
-
Attend the reading and listen to the poets.
-
Participate in the Q&A or discussion.
Volunteer at a local library or bookstore
Show steps
Gain practical experience and connect with the literary community by volunteering.
Browse courses on
Literature
Show steps
-
Find a local library or bookstore to volunteer at.
-
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
-
Attend training and orientation.
-
Help with tasks such as shelving books, assisting patrons, and planning events.
Write a poem analysis
Show steps
Develop critical thinking and writing skills by analyzing a poem.
Browse courses on
Poetry Analysis
Show steps
-
Choose a poem to analyze.
-
Read and re-read the poem carefully.
-
Identify the poem's themes and literary devices.
-
Write an essay that analyzes the poem's meaning and significance.
Contribute to a poetry-related open source project
Show steps
Gain practical experience and give back to the open source community by contributing to a poetry-related project.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
-
Find an open source poetry project to contribute to.
-
Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
-
Read the project documentation and get familiar with the codebase.
-
Make changes to the codebase and submit a pull request.
Create a poetry anthology
Show steps
Develop research and curating skills by creating a poetry anthology.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
-
Research different poets and poems.
-
Select poems for your anthology.
-
Write introductions to each poem.
-
Compile the poems into an anthology.
Enter a poetry contest
Show steps
Test your skills and gain recognition for your work by entering a poetry contest.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
-
Find poetry contests that are open to submissions.
-
Write a poem that符合ntests the contest guidelines.
-
Submit your poem to the contest.
Walt Whitman
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of American poetry by reading one of the seminal works of the movement.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book and take notes on key themes and ideas.
- Write a summary of the book and its significance in American literature.
Watch video lectures on modern American poetry
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of modern American poetry by watching video lectures.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find video lectures on modern American poetry.
- Watch the lectures and take notes.
The Development of American Poetry
Show steps
Gain fluency in American literary history and criticism by reviewing this book.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read an overview of American literature.
- Read chapters on specific poets and poems.
- Take notes on key themes and ideas.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Attend a virtual poetry reading
Show steps
Engage with poetry and fellow students by attending a virtual poetry reading.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a virtual poetry reading to attend.
- Attend the reading and listen to the poets.
- Participate in the Q&A or discussion.
Volunteer at a local library or bookstore
Show steps
Gain practical experience and connect with the literary community by volunteering.
Browse courses on
Literature
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local library or bookstore to volunteer at.
- Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
- Attend training and orientation.
- Help with tasks such as shelving books, assisting patrons, and planning events.
Write a poem analysis
Show steps
Develop critical thinking and writing skills by analyzing a poem.
Browse courses on
Poetry Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a poem to analyze.
- Read and re-read the poem carefully.
- Identify the poem's themes and literary devices.
- Write an essay that analyzes the poem's meaning and significance.
Contribute to a poetry-related open source project
Show steps
Gain practical experience and give back to the open source community by contributing to a poetry-related project.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open source poetry project to contribute to.
- Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
- Read the project documentation and get familiar with the codebase.
- Make changes to the codebase and submit a pull request.
Create a poetry anthology
Show steps
Develop research and curating skills by creating a poetry anthology.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different poets and poems.
- Select poems for your anthology.
- Write introductions to each poem.
- Compile the poems into an anthology.
Enter a poetry contest
Show steps
Test your skills and gain recognition for your work by entering a poetry contest.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find poetry contests that are open to submissions.
- Write a poem that符合ntests the contest guidelines.
- Submit your poem to the contest.
Career center
Learners who complete Modern American Poetry will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Poetry Critic
Poetry Critic
Modern American Poetry offers a comprehensive exploration of modern American poetry, providing Poetry Critics with a solid foundation for analyzing and interpreting poetic works. Through the course's examination of different poetic styles, movements, and influential poets, individuals can develop a critical lens and enhance their ability to evaluate and understand the intricacies of modern American poetry.
Professor of Poetry
Professor of Poetry
The Modern American Poetry course is an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and teaching skills in the field of poetry. By exploring the works of renowned American poets and delving into various poetic movements, educators can gain a deeper understanding of modern American poetry. This knowledge can directly contribute to enhancing their classroom instruction and inspiring their students' appreciation for the genre.
Poet
Poet
Modern American Poetry delves into the works of influential American poets like T.S. Eliot, Emily Dickinson, and Langston Hughes. By studying the techniques and themes explored by these renowned poets, aspiring Poets can enhance their understanding of the craft and develop their own unique poetic voice. The course's in-depth analysis of various poetic movements and styles provides valuable insights that can contribute to the development of one's poetic repertoire.
Editor
Editor
Modern American Poetry offers a comprehensive overview of influential American poets and their contributions to the literary landscape. Editors can benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of the nuances and complexities of modern American poetry. This knowledge enables them to effectively evaluate, edit, and shape poetic works, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of high-quality literature.
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Modern American Poetry provides an in-depth exploration of significant American poets and poetic movements. Literary Agents can benefit from this course by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the literary landscape and the evolution of modern American poetry. This knowledge enables them to better evaluate and represent the works of contemporary poets, helping them navigate the publishing industry and support the growth of promising literary talent.
Writer
Writer
Modern American Poetry provides a comprehensive exploration of the techniques, themes, and influences that have shaped modern American poetry. Writers can benefit from this course by gaining insights into the creative processes and styles of renowned poets. This knowledge can inspire their own writing, helping them develop a unique voice and refine their craft.
Librarian
Librarian
The Modern American Poetry course provides a comprehensive overview of influential American poets and their works. Librarians can benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of modern American poetry. This knowledge enables them to effectively assist patrons in navigating the library's poetry collection and fostering an appreciation for the genre.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Modern American Poetry offers a comprehensive exploration of the works and lives of influential American poets. Museum Curators can benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of the artistic and cultural movements that have shaped modern American poetry. This knowledge enables them to curate exhibitions and develop educational programs that effectively showcase the significance and impact of poetry.
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrator
Modern American Poetry provides an overview of the major poets and movements that have shaped the American literary landscape. Arts Administrators can benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of modern American poetry. This knowledge can inform their work in developing and managing arts programs that support poets and promote the appreciation of poetry within the community.
Bookstore Manager
Bookstore Manager
By taking Modern American Poetry, individuals interested in becoming Bookstore Managers can gain valuable knowledge about the history, movements, and major figures of modern American poetry. This course provides insights into the literary landscape, enabling them to better understand the preferences and interests of their customers. With a deeper understanding of modern American poetry, they can effectively recommend and promote poetry collections, fostering a love of literature within their community.
Teacher
Teacher
The Modern American Poetry course provides a comprehensive overview of influential American poets and their works. Teachers can benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and literary contexts of modern American poetry. This knowledge enables them to effectively teach poetry in the classroom, fostering an appreciation for the genre and inspiring students to engage with the power of language and creativity.
Publisher
Publisher
Modern American Poetry provides an overview of the major poets and movements that have shaped the American literary landscape. Publishers can benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of modern American poetry. This knowledge can inform their editorial decisions, enabling them to identify and publish works that resonate with readers and contribute to the literary canon.
Journalist
Journalist
Modern American Poetry offers a comprehensive exploration of the major poets and movements that have shaped the American literary landscape. Journalists can benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of modern American poetry. This knowledge can inform their writing, enabling them to provide insightful commentary and analysis on contemporary poetry and its impact on society.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Modern American Poetry offers a comprehensive exploration of the major poets and movements that have shaped the American literary landscape. Public Relations Specialists can benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of modern American poetry. This knowledge can inform their strategies for promoting poets and their works, helping to build their public profiles and connect with audiences.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
By taking Modern American Poetry, Marketing Managers can gain insights into the cultural significance and appeal of modern American poetry. This course provides an understanding of the major poets, movements, and themes that have shaped the genre. With this knowledge, Marketing Managers can develop effective marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences, promote poetry collections, and foster a wider appreciation for the art form.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ujwlb/modern
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Modern American Poetry.
Offers a focused examination of Walt Whitman, one of the foundational figures of modern American poetry and a major subject in this course. It provides a comprehensive overview of his work and its critical reception, giving learners a deeper understanding of his impact on the development of American poetry.
This anthology showcases the rich heritage of African American poetry, highlighting the voices and experiences of poets throughout history. The course includes the work of several important African American poets, and this anthology would provide a valuable Ergänzung for learners interested in exploring this aspect of American poetry more deeply.
This practical guide offers helpful techniques and advice for aspiring poets, covering aspects of writing, revising, and publishing poetry. While not specifically focused on modern American poetry, its practical guidance would be valuable for learners looking to develop their own writing skills.
This accessible and engaging book encourages a deeper appreciation of poetry by guiding readers through the elements of poetic form and language. It would serve as a valuable supplement to the course's close readings of individual poems, helping learners develop their analytical and interpretive skills.
Save
This collection of essays by the former UK Poet Laureate offers insightful perspectives on the role of poetry in contemporary society. While not directly related to the course's focus on American poetry, it provides valuable insights into the broader cultural significance of poetry.
Save
Provides a detailed exploration of the technical elements of poetry, such as meter, rhythm, and rhyme. Its practical focus would be beneficial for learners interested in understanding the formal aspects of modern American poetry.
This comprehensive collection of Emily Dickinson's poetry provides a deep dive into the work of one of the most influential figures in American poetry. The course includes several of Dickinson's poems, and this collection would allow learners to explore her work in greater depth.
This definitive collection of T. S. Eliot's poetry provides an opportunity to study the work of one of the towering figures of modernism, whose influence is evident in the course's exploration of modern American poetry.
Save
This widely used anthology provides a broad overview of modern poetry from various periods and traditions, including American poetry. It serves as a valuable reference tool for exploring the broader context of modern poetry beyond the specific focus of this course.
This classic text offers a foundational approach to understanding and analyzing poetry, providing a valuable framework for learners who wish to develop their critical reading skills and deepen their appreciation for modern American poetry.
Save
This concise and accessible guide to poetry provides a practical introduction to the elements and techniques of poetry writing. Its clear and engaging style makes it a useful resource for learners who wish to develop their own poetic skills.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ujwlb/modern
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 3-5 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Instructor
Cary Nelson
Language
English
Transcripts
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Good to know
Introduces learners to major figures and movements in modern American poetry
Covers a broad range of poets, from Walt Whitman to Muriel Rukeyser
Analyzes the historical and social context of the poems
Features vivid illustrations and readings by the poets themselves
Presented by a diverse group of experienced faculty members
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern American poetry
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