Advanced Poetry Writing

1. At least ten poems submitted fairly evenly throughout the term (no more than two poems may be submitted per week), and revisions of the above submitted at the end of the term in a portfolio valued at a minimum of 60% of the course grade. The following are requirements of the course to be included in the portfolio.
   • Two or more poems on a single theme.
   • A poem in which the first line is provided by the instructor and the poem is completed by the student.
   • A poem based on a traditional myth.
   • At least three poems written in traditional forms: villanelle, sestina and sonnet.
   • An imitation. (The first stanza will be given by the instructor from the work of an established writer, and the student will be required to complete a second stanza in the same style. This poem must be narrative or lyrical free verse, not written in a traditional form.)
   • A 500-750 word poetic testimony: i.e. a well-developed personal poetic statement and exploration of what constitutes poetry and the poetic process for the student. It may include the student’s definition of poetry, criteria for good poetry, and an analysis of what motivated the student to write. Examples of poetic theory by other poets will be provided. This will be averaged in as part of the portfolio mark.
2. A 500-750 word book report on a volume of poetry by a contemporary Canadian poet published within the previous calendar year (no more than two years since publication date). This assignment may be an opportunity for students to attend a poetry reading. The report must include a summary, context, analysis, evaluation. Value: 20% of course grade. Due on a date determined by the instructor.
3. Class participation: 20% of a course grade.
   May include:
   • response to peer work in workshops
   • contribution to class discussion
   • recitations, readings and performances of work
   • preparedness in terms of readings and assignments.

Students are required to attend 80% of the workshops. A student missing more than 20% of the workshops without receiving prior permission from the instructor will receive a grade of 0 in Class Participation. Leaving after the break is considered half an absence. Persistent lateness (3 or more Times) is counted as an absence.