PBDS 786

PBDS 786.185

Language and Form

NOTE: This is representative of the syllabi for this course. It is not necessarily the syllabus being used in any one semester.

Course Description

A study of verbal patterns in poetry and prose. We will examine the ways in which form gives shape to language and language gives voice to form. The course will focus not only on forms that are conventional (generic, mechanical, familiar), but also on those that are anomalous, especially hybrid forms where poetry, fiction, and essay meet. We will pay close attention to the linguistic, rhetorical, and aesthetic principles and devices that give energy and purpose to writing. At the same time we will explore opportunities to appropriate, subvert, and destabilize conventional uses of form and language.

Texts

David Lehman, ed., Great American Prose Poems

Stephen Dunn, Riffs & Reciprocities

Lorrie Moore, Self-Help

John D'Agata, ed., The Next American Essay

Ben Marcus, The Age of Wire and String

Other materials will be distributed in class.

Requirements

Regular attendance, thoughtful preparation, and active participation in class discussions.

Three pieces of writing that foreground form and its relation to language. These will be (or begin as) imitations of and variations on forms explored in the readings. See class schedule for due dates.

Grading

In determining your grade for the course, I will weigh the various aspects of your performance as follows:

Class participation: ¼

Writing assignments: ¼ each = ¾

Class Schedule

Jan 29 Introduction to course

Feb 5 Riffs & Reciprocities

Feb 12 workshop

Feb 19 workshop

Feb 26 writing due

Mar 4 Self-Help

Mar 11 The Age of Wire and String

Mar 18 workshop

Mar 25 [Spring Break]

Apr 1 writing due

Great American Prose Poems

Apr 8 Great American Prose Poems

Apr 15 The Next American Essay

Apr 22 The Next American Essay

Apr 29 workshop

May 6 workshop

--------

May 13 writing due




			PBDS 786.185 Language and Form NOTE: This is representative of the syllabi for this course. It is not necessarily the syllabus being used in any one semester. *Course Description* A study of verbal patterns in poetry and prose. We will examine the ways in which form gives shape to language and language gives voice to form. The course will focus not only on forms that are conventional (generic, mechanical, familiar), but also on those that are anomalous, especially hybrid forms where poetry, fiction, and essay meet. We will pay close attention to the linguistic, rhetorical, and aesthetic principles and devices that give energy and purpose to writing. At the same time we will explore opportunities to appropriate, subvert, and destabilize conventional uses of form and language. *Texts* David Lehman, ed., Great American Prose Poems Stephen Dunn, Riffs & Reciprocities Lorrie Moore, Self-Help John D'Agata, ed., The Next American Essay Ben Marcus, The Age of Wire and String Other materials will be distributed in class. *Requirements* Regular attendance, thoughtful preparation, and active participation in class discussions. Three pieces of writing that foreground form and its relation to language. These will be (or begin as) imitations of and variations on forms explored in the readings. See class schedule for due dates. *Grading* In determining your grade for the course, I will weigh the various aspects of your performance as follows: Class participation: ¼ Writing assignments: ¼ each = ¾ *Class Schedule* Jan 29 Introduction to course Feb 5 Riffs & Reciprocities Feb 12 workshop Feb 19 workshop Feb 26 writing due Mar 4 Self-Help Mar 11 The Age of Wire and String Mar 18 workshop Mar 25 [Spring Break] Apr 1 writing due Great American Prose Poems Apr 8 Great American Prose Poems Apr 15 The Next American Essay Apr 22 The Next American Essay Apr 29 workshop May 6 workshop -------- May 13 writing due home \| bs, corporate communication \| ba, english \| ma, publications design \| mfa, integrated design \| mfa, creative writing & publishing arts \| people \| portfolio \| facilities \| classes \| undergraduate applications \| graduate applications \| contact \| site index \| university of baltimore