English 891M - Sem-Form &Theory of Poetry

What is deemed worthy of the term "epic"? What expectations and internal biases do we bring to such claims? What opportunities for reconceiving the landscape?historical, aesthetical, political, ecological - does the contemporary and specifically female approach to (or subversion of) the epic raise in the collapse of narrative and lyric? In this seminar we will read closely long and at times unwieldy texts in consideration of what such breadth and positioning of works under a singular title offers to the reader - and writer. To frame the contextual gesture of the long poem, we may also consider poetic works that, while broken into discreet titles, operate as a singular work, exploring how the work manipulates time, subverts plot, and reveals patterns of thought that challenge a Western patriarchal ideation of the form. Poets considered may include Anne Waldman, Lyn Hejinian, Diane di Prima, Alice Notley, H.D, Anne Carson, Bernadette Mayer, and others currently shaping the contemporary landscape of the extended lyric. While this class will demand much reading and in-class conversation, it will also facilitate practical engagement with the notion of the female epic as a form (i.e., writing toward an epic project).

This class is open to English graduate students only.