EL4004 - Reading Poetry

1 x weekly 1-hour lecture
1 x weekly 2-hour seminar/creative writing workshop

You will learn on this module through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each week, a 1-hour lecture will establish the critical and contextual framework for a specific aspect of poetry, poetics and creative writing, presented for analysis and enhanced learning. You will explore these topics further through practical close readings of poetry in a 2-hour seminar. Seminars will also function on alternating weeks as workshops for creative writing, in order to develop your portfolios of original poetry for assessment.

In addition to learning during contact hours with the module tutor, you will be expected to undertake both directed and independent learning. Directed learning generally will take the form of preparation for seminars where you will be expected to contribute to discussion. Informal presentations will be used as well as group work to facilitate student engagement.

Independent learning generally will take the form of further reading and investigation, the consolidation of seminar notes, and revision/preparation for the assessment of the module.

Lectures, seminars, preparatory reading and composition will help you to develop your understanding of poetry and poetics. The module handbook provides details of lectures, seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning portal. The module tutor will be available in lectures and seminars, as well as in office hours and on email/phone, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to excel academically on the module. Moreover, feedback on formative work and the summative assessments will also serve as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module. In addition, you have a designated Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Guidance Tutor’s role includes:
• monitoring your ongoing academic progress
• helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development
• directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus)
You are advised to see your Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress. The Guidance Booklet, which you receive at the start of your first year, includes structured materials designed to help you develop your self-reflection skills. These materials underpin the academic side of the regular Guidance meetings, helping you to learn how to best use the feedback you receive on your assignments, how to build on your strengths, and improve in the areas where you could perform better.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Improved critical reading of poetry
2. Knowledge and understanding of the techniques utilised by poets.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Enhanced critical reading and writing skills.
4. Ability to compose original verse, reflecting understanding of poetics.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Creativity

Formative:
a. A 1-hour mock exam in class, involving analysis of an unseen poem, in practice of the summative examination. You will receive formative feedback in one-to-one consultation in class. This addresses KU 1 and IPSA 3.

b. Composition of 30 lines of poetry, with an analytical commentary. You will receive written feedback to enhance your composition towards the summative assignment. This addresses the Module Learning Outcome: IPSA 4 and PVA 5. (Option A)

c. A 500-word essay plan in preparation for a summative assessment engaging with poetry and poetics. KU 1 & IPSA 3. (Option B)

Summative:
a. 1 x 1-hour examination: written analysis of an unseen poem from a choice of three. (50%) This addresses KU1 & 2, IPSA3.

b. Coursework: You will submit either a portfolio of creative work or a critical essay. Your work in the seminars will build towards both options, and tutors will guide you in your choice by providing feedback on draft work. You should submit either 60 lines of original poetry along with a 500-word critical commentary, or a 2000 word essay demonstrating engagement with poetics, literary theory, and poetic criticism. Both options address learning outcomes KU1&2, IPSA 3&4 and PVA 5.

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Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.