Paul's Humanities 10

What You Need to Know For Your POL

2009-11-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

Satire

* SOAPSTONE "A Modest Proposal"
(Subject, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Speaker, Tone)
*What is Satire? Significance?
* How is satire different from comedy?
* Horatian vs Juvenalian Satire
* Unintended vs intended/real targets
* Hyperbole? Grotesque? How are these elements used in "A Modest Proposal?"
* Irony: situational, verbal, and dramatic?
* What is parody?
* Incongruence?
* Juxtaposition?
* Logos, pathos, ethos

Swift's agenda

Part I: The problem--what was it?
Part II: Swift's outrageous and absurd solution--what was it?
Part III: Swift rejects valid solutions--why?
"Let no man talk to me of other expedients..."
Part IV: Why does Swift deny self-advantage at the end of the piece?

Writing a Book Review

2009-10-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Students,

You will all be writing an original book review that will be posted online at a later date. First, here are a few things that you will need to consider before getting started.

Word count: 500-750
Due Date: Draft 1--10/7; draft 2--10/8
Must be typed.

Heading:

Book Title
Author
Reviewed by: Your Name Here

Here a are a few cool sites to get you started:

Write a Book Review
How to Write a Book Review
How to Write a Book Review

NOTE: I will collect draft 1 on Wednesday 10/7.

Tao Lin Speaks

2009-05-18T08:33:00.001-07:00

Tao Lin speaks! Take a gander here.

Please comment here or at the Poetry Foundation if you wish.

P

2009-05-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

Read the following article and respond to the questions below:

1. What is the issue highlighted by this article?
2. What are the ethical implications? What was compromised?
3. Do you agree with the student--Wikipedia is not to blame, but the journalists who ran with the story are. Explain.
4. List anything else that may have struck you.

Due: 5/12, 3:40pm

It's Grammar Time!

2009-04-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Deal:

Groups of three will develop and write a lesson based on one of the following grammar topics:

1. Parts of Speech/Direct and Indirect Objects
2. Prepositional phrases
3. Appositives
4. Active vs. Passive voice
5. Subject/Verb Agreement
6. Sentence fragments and run-ons
7. Comma rules
8. Common homonym mistakes: There, their, they're,
etc. Be sure to choose at least three cases

This lesson must include the following

* a clearly stated title and objective
* a minimum of 5 slides
* a handout that will be submitted to your teacher (I will make copies for everyone)
Please note: This handout should be thorough, yet user-friendly.
* an activity that allows students to demonstrate understanding
* Duration: 10 minutes
* Presentation: Friday

Useful Sites:

The Owl at Purdue
University of Illinois Grammar Handbook
Big Dog's Grammar

Schindler's List: A Response

2009-03-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Each student will be responsible for posting a response to Schindler's List on her/his blog. In addition, students will need to comment on this blog, stating simply: "I posted." This will allow me to visit your blog and evaluate its contents.

Requirements:

1. 1 image minimum
2. A 1 paragraph plot summary with a minimum of 3 hyper links that may be related to characters, geographical areas, etc.
3. A response to the following questions:

a. What does the word power mean to you? What does it mean to Goethe? What does it mean to Schindler? Do these people misuse power?

b. Schindler went from being an "antihero" to a hero. What specific events did he experience and realizations did he have to create this transformation.

c. Did you think this film was effective? Why? Why not?

Your post is Due: Friday 3/27/09

Poets Against the War

2009-03-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

Here's an online chapbook at the Poets Against the War organization. Read a few poems and then choose one in which to react.

Here are a few questions to get you started:

What is the poem's subject? How does the author handle this subject? How would you describe the tone of the poem? Do you have a clear image of the speaker? What is your personal reaction to the poem?

Leave a comment on this blog to receive full credit.

The Slow Food Manifesto

2009-02-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

Check out this manifesto.

Leave a comment about what you think about it. Does it make sense? Do you think it will create change? Explain.

More Ideas for the Manifesto

2009-02-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

For some time NPR has produced a series called "This I believe." Inspired by the 1950s show of the same name, NPR provides an outlet for Americans to share their personal philosophies and stories with others. Take a look at the following link so that you can gather some more ideas about how to organize your personal manifestos.

2009-02-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

Tao Lin shows his blog and art at the Whitney.

The (Hu)manifest Project

2009-02-18T17:55:00.000-08:00

1. Just as the artists whose work you have seen responded to their world, you will create your own ideas, or manifesto, that represent your personal response to some aspect of the contemporary world.

2. You may choose to comment on any aspect of the world today, including war, violence, technology, industry, politics, human relations, family, education, or government.

3. Your manifesto's tone may be hopeful, admiring, critical, ambivalent, or simply observational.

In addition to the manifestos we will be reading and discussing in class, you may find a helpful and practical guide to writing a manifesto here.

Also, be sure to look at the links section on this blog and open "manifestos" to see even more.

New Announcement

2009-02-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

1) Several of you need to visit The Owl at Purdue to review MLA formatting. If you have any further questions, please see me.

PREP

2009-02-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

Topics to Know:

Causes of WWI—proximate and distant cause(s)
Why the “Powder Keg” metaphor?
Allied (Entente) forces?
Central Powers?
Can you identify the western and eastern fronts on a map?
Woodrow Wilson: “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”
Why did the U.S. sympathize with England?
Lusitania?
The Zimmerman telegram (note)
How were troops mobilized
Life in the trenches
Battles: Verdun, Somme, etc. Note: Only those discussed in class
The War at Home: women and the war, the 19^th amendment, the Espionage and Sedition Acts
Why “Total War?”
Schlieffen Plan?
The Paris Peace Treaty and “The Big Four”
The Treaty of Versailles

READINGS

Article “Aftermath of the War”
Wilson’s 14 Points
Chapter 44: World War I and its Disputed Settlements
“War is the Health of the State”

"IF YOU WALKED A MILE IN MY SHOES"

2009-02-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

"If You Walked A Mile in My Shoes..."

The next poem you will write will be a personal poem in which you reveal something about yourself. Thematically, this poem can include family, personal triumphs and/or challenges, dreams, etc.

We will be looking at several models in class from which to bridge our own work.

Here are the requirements:

1) 8-10 stanzas
2) 4 lines min. per stanza
3) Each stanza should begin with the anaphoric "If you walked a mile in my shoes..." or something comparable. Please see me if you are planning on using something different.
4) Use of literary devices, such as metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, irony, etc.
5) Poem should be typed.

NOTE: Remember, this poem will accompany your shoe art. In other words, it will be showcased to the public, so you really want to consider this as you're composing this ambitious work.

Anaphora poem

2009-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

New Poem Requirements:

So far, most of the poems that we have studied and discussed have been playful, and at times, whimsical. As we prepare ourselves for this next poem, think about tone. How can you explore various themes by approaching tone differently. For example, "I Remember" was nostalgic. How can you express indifference? Anger? Melancholy? Joy? Exuberance?

Take a look at Gregory Orr's poem below called "A Litany." Seems different than Brainard's, no?

Draft 1 Due: Friday, Jan 30

A Litany

I remember him falling beside me,
the dark stain already seeping across his parka hood.
I remember screaming and running the half mile to our house.
I remember hiding in my room.
I remember that it was hard to breathe
and that I kept the door shut in terror that someone would enter.
I remember pressing my knuckles into my eyes.
I remember looking out the window once
at where an ambulance had backed up
over the lawn to the front door.
I remember someone hung from a tree near the barn
the deer we'd killed just before I shot my brother.
I remember toward evening someone came with soup.
I slurped it down, unable to look up.
In the bowl, among the vegetable chunks,
pale shapes of the alphabet bobbed at random
or lay in the shallow spoon.

"I Remember"

2009-01-23T09:00:00.001-08:00

"I Remember" poem requirements:

1. 25 lines minimum
2. Typed
3. Uses the anaphoric "I Remember"
4. At least 1 example of juxtaposition and/or synesthesia

Due Monday 1/26

Ayn Rand

2008-12-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

For those of you who read Rand's Anthem, here's a pretty cool podcast about her and some of her ideas. Take a listen, and please leave some comments on this blog reacting to what you heard. Take care!

--Paul

2008-12-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

Read the following blog article and react to its contents. Do you agree? Disagree? Is the author on point? Or is something missing?

Comment on the class blog for credit. Complete sentences and well-presented ideas are expected.

Introducing Hamlet

2008-11-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

As we begin Hamlet, many questions will undoubtedly arise. Here's a great site for us to refer to over the duration of the play.

Please, please, please take the time to peruse this site over the next couple of days. I will most certainly incorporate an activity to better acquaint us with this resource. Stay tuned.

The Candidates

2008-10-30T11:01:00.001-07:00

Where do the Presidential candidates stand?

Your group is responsible for explaining where the Democrat and Republican candidates stand on your "hot button" issue.

Your group must comment as a group on this blog.

Example:

Senator Obama believes...
Senator McCain believes...

You must also include how Ralph Nader figures into this election, and what he states about this topic.

Here's a site that might help you.

Montoya

2008-10-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Read and look at some of the accompanying images in this article about the Malaquias Montoya exhibit. What strikes you about this art of protest? Do you think anything will come of it? Are the artist's positions valid, or has he failed to consider other factors about society?

Don Q. in 24 hours

2008-10-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this marathon reading that happened in 2005, the 400th anniversary of Don Quixote.

Book Burning

2008-09-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Read the following article and respond to the following questions:

* As a dictator, why would it be in Hitler's best interest to burn books with "unGerman"
ideas.

* How might the act of destroying books impact future generations? How might it affect the victims'? How might it affect the aggressors?

* Book burning sends a strong statement. What might it be?

* Can you make any connections with something that you've seen, read, or experienced?

Journal

2008-09-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the above image and think about what it might be suggesting.

September 16th

2008-09-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a short article on the signifcance of September 16th in Mexico. To the left is a portrait of Hidalgo by the great Mexican painter, Jose Clemente Orozco. Remind me to tell you the story about my wife and me at the Prado Museum in Balboa Park.

Position Paper Outline

2008-09-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Title of Paper
* conveys the main point of the essay in 8 words or less
* attracts the readers' attention

I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background information/brief overview of the issue/topic
B. Thesis statement: states the main idea of the essay and answers the research question

II. HISTORY (1-3 paragraphs)
A. Define issue and/or give brief history of your issue

III. ARGUMENTS
A. Position 1 (opposing viewpoint)
1. facts/research
2. well-organized examples, summaries, and/or quotations

B. Position 2 (including a transition, state your position)
1. facts/research
2. well-organized examples, quotations, analogies, summaries

IV. CONCLUSION
A. Clearly restates your position and the significance of the issue
B. A call to action--What should the reader do?

Contacting and Expert

2008-09-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

“I Need an Expert!”

Merriam-Webster defines an expert as someone who possesses “a special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject.” The key word here is “mastery,” which means to be considered an expert, a person should have spent a considerable amount of time effectively studying, performing, and pretty much, breathing his or her respective subject area(s) over a significant period of time. So, keeping this definition in mind, students will be contacting an expert in a field related to student “A Modern Proposal” projects. Experts may be activists, professors, lawmakers, non-profit agency representatives, program directors, or other qualified individuals actively participating in the field of interest.

Each student in the group must contact an expert in the field. Contact may be via email, phone, or live interview.

When preparing initial contact, students should include the following:

· A proper introduction, stating name, age and school;
· Purpose, an overview of the project;
· Topics to be covered;
· Politely inquiring if it would be ok to continue a correspondence and/or interview;
· Plans for the information once interview is completed.

Once students have received a response from the interviewee/correspondent:

· Thank him/her;
· If necessary, ask the interviewee to check your information and quotations for accuracy;
· Offer to send the interviewee a copy of your writing;
· Politely ask the interviewee if he/she would be willing to be a guest speaker

Requirements:
1. Students must contact one person/agency on each side of the issue.
2. Initial contacts must be via email. Students will earn credit for their efforts by
submitting a hardcopy of the email to Paul.
3. Students will also need to include these sources in their final paper.

MLA Citations

2008-09-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a great resource for learning how to use MLA citations correctly.

Radiohead Video and "The Poetics of Commerce"

2008-08-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Check out this interesting video. The band is Radiohead, and the song is "All I need." Think about how this might relate to Espada's "The Poetics of Commerce."

Examples of Collages

2008-08-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Collages by Max Ernst.

Collages by Joseph Cornell.

The Art of Faith Ringgold

2008-06-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

from "Representation in Art and Film: Identity and Stereotype" by Martha Savage

"Faith Ringgold is best known for a genre of art she created, the story quilt. Sewn and painted on cloth, text panels recount stories and visual images move in a linear and at times not so linear path." One of her most famous works is the story quilt "Who's Afraid of Aunt Jemima," a quilt that rewrites the stereotypical character's life.

Below, however, is a work by Ringgold that uses oil and canvas. This work was completed in 1971.

The objective for this assignment is to analyze Ringgold's painting in order to respond to some of Lucy Lippard's suggested methods for shattering stereotypes: "[ranging] from opening wounds, to seeking revenge through representation, to reversing destructive developments so the healing process can begin."

First, though, let's identify the subject(s); second, whether stereotypes are, indeed, addressed, and if so, what are they, and which of Lippard's methods is Ringgold using to address them? And finally, does your group think that this piece does an effective job addressing these issues? Is it inspiring? How has it struck you? However, if your group feels that it falls short somewhere, why?

Note: Your group's response will be evaluated based on its completion. In other words, does it address the prompt effectively and completely?

" For the Woman's House"

Lit Circles

2008-04-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Books usually are challenged with the best intentions—to protect others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information. See Censorship and Challenges and Notable First Amendment Cases.

Censorship can be subtle, almost imperceptible, as well as blatant and overt, but, nonetheless, harmful. As John Stuart Mill wrote in On Liberty:

“If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind. Were an opinion a personal possession of no value except to the owner; if to be obstructed in the enjoyment of it were simply a private injury, it would make some difference whether the injury was inflicted only on a few persons or on many. But the peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that it is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth: if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.” — On Liberty, John Stuart Mill

Here is a list of the American Library Association's 100 most frequently challenged books of 1990-2000.

Here is the ALA's list of challenged books by authors of color.

Assignment:

1. 4-5 group members
2. Choose one challenged book--book must be cleared with me
3. If your group has another title in mind, see me about using it for this lit. circle.
4. Due:) _______

The Cognitive Basis of Gender Stereotypes

2008-04-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Read the following article and react.

* Do you agree or disagree with this overview?
* What evidence do you find the most intriguing?

Assignment: Poem #3

2008-04-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Your next poem will be composed using the cut-up method. The only requirements are the following:

1. "Sound of Silence" must be the main source of material used in this exercise, but it doesn't have to be the only one.
2. Must be at least 20 lines
3. Must be typed

Due: Monday 4/28

Junot Diaz Wins the Pulitzer and other Stuff

2008-04-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Read the following article about Junot Díaz, paying close attention to the interviewer's question that begins: "Did you have any doubts about having a hero who was such an uber-nerd?" and Díaz' response.

Write a brief reaction to this piece. Also, does this piece on Díaz inspire you to go out and look up some of this work? (of course if you haven't read some already) DUE: THURSDAY 11:59 pm

################################################

ASSIGNMENT: POEM #2

Joe Brainard's great friend, confidante, and collaborator, Ron Padgett, once wrote of Brainard's work "His method had something childlike about it, and indeed Joe did have a taste for things that were free of adult overcomplication." Padgett also admitted "...[Brainard] had made a marvelous discovery, and many of us wondered why we hadn't thought of such an obvious idea ourselves." In the spirit of Brainard's spectacular long poem "I remember," which we will have read excerpts in class, you will be composing a similar poem made up of the following:

1. 20 lines minimum, each beginning with the anaphoric "I

remember" (More about this in class)

2. Typed

3. Due: Friday, April 11th in class (submit to Andrew)

################################################

Here's a copy of the NY Times article "The Color of Mayhem, in a Wave of Urban Games."

Misconceptions

2008-04-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Read the following "misconceptions" and respond to the following:

1. What strikes you most about what you have read? Please cite specific
passages.

2. Out of all of the "misconceptions" listed by this author, which
one deserves the closest attention? Explain.

Point-of-View Piece

2008-04-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Using one of the following formats, write a point-of-view piece from the perspective of one of the individuals below:

-a 14-year-old girl whose family has moved from Tikrit, Iraq to Jordan to stay with relatives until the fighting ends

-a 15-year-old boy who has never been to school and sells matches on the streets of Baghdad to help his family eat

-an 18-year-old female first-year college student in Baghdad who has learned that her younger brother has recently joined an insurgent group

-a 16-year-old boy from Fallujah who wants to earn extra money to help his middle class family rebuild their home

-blog (or MySpace or Facebook profile page)
-letter to a family member
-personal diary
-script of a dialogue between two friends

Enrichment Article

2008-04-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

sorry, I can't find the document for the "Enrichment." It's somewhere--I know that much! I will post it tomorrow. More later. Take care, and try your best on that poem. I can't wait to hear them!

Poem #1--"I Am"

2008-04-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Be sure to refer back to Langston Hughes' poem as an example.

"I Am"

* Includes an extended metaphor
* One line includes a combination of the following: I am...color, object, city
* Poem is at least 7 lines
* Typed

Due: Thursday, 4/3

Lebron James Vogue Cover Criticized

2008-03-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Read the following article and think about it critically before you decide to post your response. Here is the image in question.

Do you think this image portrays a racial stereotype(s)? Or do you think the public is overreacting? Whether you agree or disagree with the criticism of this photo, what does this controversy say about race and image in contemporary America?

5-A response is posted to the article
4-A response is posted to the article, along with at least one separate post responding to a peer's response. Be sure to address the peer by name to avoid confusion.
0-No response

Literary Journal

2008-03-13T08:24:00.001-07:00

Research a literary journal listed in your poet's list of acknowledgments. You will be presenting your findings to the class on __________. Be sure to include the following:

1. Title
2. When was the journal established?
3. Where is it published?
4. Submission requirements
5. Vision; aesthetic--What kind of writing are the editors looking for?
6. Other writers who have been published in its pages?

MOPA Response

2008-03-12T09:22:00.001-07:00

Please comment on the following. Be sure to leave your first and last name with your response.

* Artist and Title
* Subject(s)
* Narrative? Could you identify a story? If not, could you create one?
* Imagery
* What made you choose these pictures?

Bliss

2008-03-10T09:47:00.001-07:00

This portrait is entitled "Bliss, 2000." Despite the poor quality of this upload, do you think this image makes for a universal representation of "bliss?" Why? Why not? To support your position, be sure to refer to different elements from the photograph.

Rubrics

2008-03-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

Rubric (1) rubric

Reformation Essay

4 = Distinguished

3 = Emerging

2 = Developing

1 = Needs Improvement

0 = Did not attempt

	*Student Scored*	*Teacher Scored*
*Content*
Essay states a problem(s) in a clear and articulate way.
Essay provides a thoughtful solution(s) to this problem, explaining how this issue can be reformed.
Essay provides a “call to action.”
Includes clear evidence that demonstrates effective and thorough research.
Includes a Works Cited page in MLA format with at least 3 sources.
There are at least 3 properly cited passages.
*Style/Mechanics*
Writing is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar
Use of language is appropriate for a professional context, including proper tone and vocabulary
500-750 Words
*Total*

rubric (2)

“95 THESES”

4 = Distinguished

3 = Emerging

2 = Developing

1 = Needs Improvement

0 = Did not attempt

	*Student Scored*	*Teacher Scored*
*Content*
Theses contain a well-written preamble.
Theses are focused and organized in a logical manner.
Theses are well-informed.
Includes clear evidence that demonstrates effective and thorough research.
*Style/Mechanics*
Writing is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar
Use of language is appropriate for a professional context, including proper tone and vocabulary
There are 12 theses in included.	Yes	No
*Total*

Pope Leo X

2008-03-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do not have a copy of the Pope Leo document, you can find it here

Gang Memoir

2008-03-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Read the following article from the New York Times and respond to the following:

a) How will this situation ultimately affect this author's credibility in the future?
b) What struck you most about this article? Be specific.

Due by Thursday 11:59 pm

Video Footage for the Alliance of Guest Workers for Dignity Protest

2008-02-28T10:38:00.000-08:00

Click this link to see the news coverage.

Letter of Solidarity

2008-02-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

Read the following post and respond. Be sure to focus on key points, quoting text when appropriate. What does this say about the state of workers rights in this country for foreign workers? Immigration? Human rights? The agriculture business? Do you think this is an isolated incident? Or do you think it is more widespread? Can you cite specifics? etc.

Luther's Letter to Pope Leo X

2008-02-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

Luther's letter to Pope Leo X found here.

The Photo Project

2008-02-24T21:02:00.001-08:00

The Photo Project:

A Documentation of the Reformation and current political, social, and educational issues

I. The Objective

A. First, students will learn about some of the causes that led to

Reformation Europe and some of its effects. Also, in the

revolutionary spirit of Martin Luther, students will take a stand

on a contemporary issue that needs reform.

II. The Driving Questions

A. What does this period teach us about religious tolerance?

B. What are the benefits of protest? What are the consequences?

C. As thinking citizens, what can we do to exercise our moral and/or ethical obligations to a society that we believe must change?

D. What areas today require reform?

III. The Requirements

A. Each class will create approximately eight sets of “95 Theses.” Students may choose from one of the following three categories:

1. Educational Reform (e.g., small schools movement,

bilingual education, nutrition, NCLB, CAHSEE, etc.)

2. Social Reform (e.g., hate crime, living wage, gang violence, gentrification, health care, imminent domain, the etc.)

3. Political Reform (e.g., city council ethics, the war in Iraq, immigration, global warming, etc.)

a. Begin with Governor Schwarzenegger’s homepage.

B. In groups, students will research their topics so as to compile well informed and accurate “Theses” instead of random, poorly-constructed sentences. In addition, each “95 Theses” must contain a well-crafted preamble.

IV. The Literature

A. Primary documents from the Pope, Luther, Calvin, etc.

B. Refer to Dante’s Inferno

C. Excerpts

D. MOPA

E. Images that Changed the World

V. The Final Product

A. Assemble your photographs and written explanations as a slide show.

B. Take photographs of any of the following:

1. Religious structures

2. Symbols of faith

3. The posting of your 95 Theses

4. The creation of your 95 Theses

5. Meaningful images from your area of reform

C. Total pictures will be discussed in class

D. A collaborative written essay

The 95 Theses and their Results

2008-02-20T23:24:00.000-08:00

Read the following selection in small groups and complete the graphic organizer in class. Here is another copy of Luther's 95 Theses.

Further instructions will be made available in class.

Literary Circles

2008-02-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

LITERARY CIRCLES: EXPLORING CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN POETRY

For your first lit circle this semester, you will be choosing a contemporary American poet to read, discuss, and hopefully contact over the next few weeks. Your first task will be to choose a living American poet to study by _____________. Once your choice has been approved, you will be encouraged to purchase or borrow (from a public or university library) one or more of his/her collections of poetry. If this proves to be a problem, please see your teacher to discuss other options.

Listed below are some sites that might be helpful:

Wikipedia. List of Poets from the United States

As we discuss these authors in class, it is important that we have a working knowledge of several poetic devices. Here is a comprehensive list that should help us with this.