Interdisciplinary Arts 0286 - Lucille Clifton, Poet and Witn

When Lucille Clifton passed away in February 2010, American poetry lost one of its brightest and most consistent lights. The author of thirteen poetry collections, as well as many volumes of children's literature, Ms. Clifton was that rare poet whose work could reach into lecture hall, prison dayroom, coffee shop, or community center, and touch anyone who was ready to be annealed. In art and in life, she has inspired legions of writers and readers and continues to give us much to consider. This semester, an in depth study of Clifton's body of work will provide us ample opportunity to explore the myriad possibilities of the short, plainspoken lyric, as well as such themes as race and gender politics, canon formation, and disenfranchisement in 20th and 21st century America. Required text: The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton: 1965-2010 (BOA Ltd.)

Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, etc.