Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Writing Poetry

• Unit Code

  WRT3107

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit will offer students the opportunity to develop an existing strength and interest in writing poetry. The work of established writers in the genre will be the starting point for workshops in which students will be able to explore a range of subjects and styles in the development of their own writing. The emphasis in this unit will be on free-verse form, contemporary Australian poets, and the development of independent writing practice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Discuss pertinent historical, social, political and inter-cultural themes and issues relating to poetry.
2. Generate a collection of at least 12 poems, that demonstrate skills gained in the unit.
3. Identify and employ relevant technical elements - in language, form and structure - in the production of original poetry.
4. Identify formal and structural elements of contemporary poetry, particularly that of free-verse.
5. Workshop with peers to develop one another's poetry.
6. Write an analytical essay that demonstrates awareness of contemporary Australian poetic practice.

Unit Content

1. Discussion of selected themes and issues, including place and sustainability, in relation to poetry.
2. Study of selected Australian and international poems.
3. Teamwork and workshopping processes.
4. Workshopping of students' poetry.
5. Writing an analytical text.
6. Writing poetry which demonstrates skills gained through the workshops.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Workshops. Class discussions. Textual analysis. Writing practice.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Leonard, J. (Ed.). (2009). The Puncher and Wattmann anthology of Australian poetry. Melbourne, Australia: Puncher and Wattmann.
• Walker, B. (Ed.). (2002). The writer's reader. A guide to writing fiction and poetry. Rushcutters Bay, Australia: Halstead Press. Note: Out of print. Second hand copies available.
• Leonard, J. (Ed.). (2003). Seven centuries of poetry in English. (5th ed.). London, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. Note: Seminal Reference.
• Leonard, J. (Ed.). (1998). Australian verse: An Oxford anthology. Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.
• Koch, K. (1999). Making your own days: The pleasures of reading poetry. New York, NY: Touchstone.
• Page, G. (Ed.). (2014). Best Australian poems 2014. Melbourne, Australia: Black Inc.
• Leonard, J. (2001). New music: An anthology of Australian contemporary poetry. Australia: Five Island Press.
• Harrison, J., & Waterhouse, K. (Eds.). (2009). Motherlode: Australian women's poetry 1986 - 2008. Melbourne, Australia: Puncher and Wattmann.
• Ferguson., et al. (2005). The Norton anthology of poetry. (5th ed.). New York, NY: W.W. Norton. Note: Seminal Reference.
• Eagleton, T. (2007). How to read a poem. Carlton: Blackwell.
• Winterson, J. (1996). Art objects: Essays on ecstasy and effrontery. London, United Kingdom: Vintage.
• Hirsch, E. (1999). How to read a poem (and fall in love with poetry). Florida, USA: Harcourt.

^ Mandatory reference

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