'An introduction to the most important poetic figures, movements, and backgrounds in contemporary British and Irish poetry, with an especial interest in poetry as a contested domain in which, and through which, poets wrestle new social content into poetic form. Poets may include Philip Larkin, Geoffrey Hill, Seamus Heaney, Denise Riley, Paul Muldoon, Grace Nichols, and Carol Ann Duffy.'

'We will discuss Chaucer's explorations of love, human will, and various conceptions of closure (in literary terms, the efficacy of complaint, the work of poetic endings, and the poet's accomplishments). These topics will be studied in light of Chaucer's ranging literary influences, especially his assimilation and renovation of classical poetry, French and Italian vernacular verse, romance, saints' lives, allegory, and beast fables.

'This course will examine a variety of English works and genres written in the thirteenth through fifteenth centuries. Our concentration will be principally on the Gawain-poet, Chaucer, Langland, Margery Kempe, and Lydgate. Most of our readings are in Middle English.'

'A study of some of Shakespeare's plays emphasizing the poetic and dramatic aspects of his art, with attention to the historical context and close, careful reading of the language. Eight or nine plays.'

'Since the seventeenth century, prose stylists have written essays to examine, analyze, argue, and satirize. In this course we will follow the evolution of the essay, including the development of the sentence, prose rhythms, and grammatical patterns. We'll examine how the essay develops and changes, beginning with Francis Bacon and ending with contemporaries such as David Foster Wallace and Barry Lopez. Students will master the form by writing their own essays.

'This course gives students practice in the basic elements of the poet's craft, emphasizing revision. It involves class criticism and conferences as well as collateral reading.'

'This workshop will introduce students to the short story form as practiced by contemporary and canonical writers. Students will learn to read fiction actively, as writers developing their craft. We will focus on understanding the elements of fiction with an eye toward eventual mastery. Writing short stories will comprise the main work of this course, and students will work specifically on point of view, development of scenes, characterization, plot, and narration.'

'The finest journalists are professors to the people. They educate citizens so as to facilitate reasoned, fact-based dialogue on subjects as diverse as politics, poverty, war, science, and the arts. We will look at journalism's role in the culture with a particular view to some of the profession's failings and foibles. Students are expected to leave the comfortable confines of the classroom as they try their hand at covering an event, writing a profile, and reporting on an issue of local significance.

'This course offers practice in writing various kinds of narrative. Assignments emphasize clarity, concision, and creativity. Exercises lead to longer work, sketches, poems or short stories. Students hone critical as well as writing skills. Student papers are discussed in class, along with selected works by published authors.The crafting of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Readings by established authors within the three genres will be included, along with in-class discussions and critique sessions of student work.

'This course offers practice in writing various kinds of narrative. Assignments emphasize clarity, concision, and creativity. Exercises lead to longer work, sketches poems, or short stories. Students hone critical as well as writing skills. Student papers are duplicated and discussed in class, along with selected works by published authors.'