MENMD1PTY: Introduction to Poetry
This is a mandatory Level 4 module for Combined Honours and Single Honours students.
Credits: 20 credits (10 ECTS credits)
Course Director: Dr Andrew Palmer
This module presents and practises a range of ways
of approaching a poem (for instance: examining its situation
or constituent elements; discerning differences in the voices
of its speakers as well as the rhetorical function of their
speech; and considering how artistic communication distorts or departs from everyday norms). In the process, a number of traditional poetic matters are introduced and revised, such as metre, rhyme (and other sound patterns), form, genre and figurative language; and texts of widely varying sorts are used, acquainting students with different types of poetry and the most important movements in literary history. Whilst a major part of the module is devoted to close reading, students are encouraged to think reflexively about the importance of context and the problems of "practical criticism."
Assessment:
The module is assessed by two equally weighted 1000-word essays. Taken together, these count for 40% of the total assessment for the module. The remaining 60% of the assessment takes the form of a two-hour closed-book examination.
Illustrative Texts:
The texts listed below indicate the range of literature that is typically covered on this module. Please note, however, that this list is illustrative only. The reading list for each given year will be made available on Blackboard for students registered on the module.