English 439 - Poetry 1914-2014

A seminar–intensive reading, in-class presentations, a long paper at the end–in which the work of six major poets will be studied:  Robert Frost, Wallace Stevens, T.S. Eliot, Elizabeth Bishop, Richard Wilbur, and Anthony Hecht.  Attention will be given to the poets’ own critical writing, in letters, interviews, reviews, and essays, as well as to the critical literature devoted to them.

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with preference given to junior English majors who have not taken a 400-level English course.  Although this is an English Department seminar, students not majoring in English will be welcomed.  Limited to 15 students.  Fall semester.  Professor Sofield and Simpson Lecturer Wilbur.