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English
ENGN 3559: Introduction to Poetry [3]
Mark Edmundson, University Professor
This course will be an introduction to poetry for students who have some literary experience, but have not delved as deeply as they might have liked into poetry. We will begin with some brief (if rich) poems: Tennyson, Dickinson, a Shakespeare sonnet or two. By the end of the term, students should be confident in approaching the more demanding works of, say Eliot or Stevens. Students will keep a journal; they'll write imitations and parodies and appreciations, and (from time to time) a piece of poetry of their own.
ENSP 1060: Public Speaking [3]
Margaret Gardiner, Instructor
Through theoretical instruction and practice, students will learn to prepare and deliver public presentations. We will learn techniques for handling speech anxiety, analyzing your audience, organizing and composing an effective argument, and improving diction, projection, and delivery. We will also be discussing the difference between oral and written style in language, the role of the body in public speaking, and how to achieve specific goals in speeches: speaking to inform, to persuade, to commemorate. We will begin every class period with physical, vocal, and relaxation exercises. Grades will be based on class attendance, participation, and the preparation and delivery of two 6-8 minute presentations. Our goal is neither to memorize nor to read these speeches, but to learn the art of extemporaneous delivery, where a carefully prepared and rehearsed speech may seem to arise spontaneously in the moment.
ENSP 3559: Contemporary Flash Fiction: Theory and Practice [3]
Elizabeth Denton, Instructor
Sudden or flash fiction is an increasingly visible genre distinct from the short story. We will examine the genre historically, critically and ultimately in terms of craft. Accomplished writers of the genre tend to have the poets' interest in language and to use language rather than character development to power narrative. Students interested in taking the class should have a strong interest in reading and writing stories as well as a strong interest in language. Each day will be divided into two parts. Mornings we will devote to discussing the assigned reading (I'll likely giv~ a short daily quiz on the reading) and afternoons to workshops. Afternoons we WIll break into smaller groups and students will critique, discuss and revise their own flash fiction. Students will be expected to exhibit some mastery of the craft by producing eight drafts and eight revisions of their flash stories. Students will a~so each contribute one additional piece to a class anthology based on a theme decIded upon by the class. Members of the class will contribute time toward publishing the anthology using desktop technology. A detailed syllabus and the reading list will be available in advance so that students can do some of the reading ahead oftime (not required).
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