English 449 - Poetry and Research

In this course, students will become proficient in research methods related to the study of poetry.  Focusing on select periods from the English language poetic tradition, we will read poems alongside historical contexts, critical essays, and contemporary treatises on poetics.  The central question we will explore is, how can close reading benefit from secondary research?  Students will be expected to present course material, and to choose a specific poet or group of poems as the basis of the final project, a long literary critical research paper.

This advanced seminar is designed for students who have previous training in close reading and analysis of poetry. In spring 2013 we will focus our readings on the Metaphysical poets, the Romantic poets, and their contemporaries.

A previous course in poetry is recommended. Open to juniors and seniors.  Limited to 15 students.  Spring semester.  Professor Nelson.