ENG 387: Modern American Poetry
Dr. Suzanne W. Churchill
Fall 2005
MWF 1:30-2:30, CH 1003

This course surveys modern American poetry from Dickinson to Dylan, placing an emphasis on formally experimental poets in the first half of the twentieth century, including Gertrude Stein, Wallace Stevens, William Carlos Williams, Marianne Moore, Langston Hughes, and Muriel Rukeyser. We will then jump to the 1950s to read Elizabeth Bishop, Frank O'Hara, Gwendolyn Brooks, Sylvia Plath, and Anne Sexton. As we study these writers, we will interrogate the author-centric structure of the course. Who or what are we referring to when we talk about "the author"? Can we extract the author's intention from a poem? Is the notion of the author an ideological construction that seeks to elevate literature above other discourses? We will conclude with a unit on the 1960s, turning from text to I-Pods and tuning into the American icon, Bob Dylan.

How to reach me:
My office is in Carolina Inn 204, ext. 2595.
My office hours are Mondays 2:30-4 pm, Tuesdays 10-11 am, and Thursdays 3-4 pm.
If these times conflict with your schedule, you may schedule an appointment.
For quick, factual clarifications, but not for advice or conferences, you may contact me by e-mail at suchurchill@davidson.edu. In emergencies, you may call me at home, 704-896-3993 (between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
The syllabus is on the web at www.davidson.edu/academic/english/faculty/churchill_home/ENG387_F05_syllabus.htm. It contains links to electronic reserve readings and other resources.
Our class distribution list is ENG387_F05@davidson.edu. When you send a message to this list, it goes to every member of the class, including me. Please use this list to contact me with any questions about the course, especially clarifications of readings, assignments, and due dates. Chances are, if you're confused, someone else is too.

Required texts:
Anthology of Modern American Poetry, edited by Cary Nelson (Oxford)
— Note: on-line journal and multimedia companion: http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/
Gertrude Stein, Tender Buttons
Selected Poems of Anne Sexton, edited by Diane Wood Middlebrook and Diana Hume George (Mariner)

Course Reserves:
Many of the readings are available on electronic course reserves, as noted in the syllabus by (ER). Print out these readings at the beginning of the semester and assemble them into a folder, binder, or packet. Electronic problems are NOT an excuse for not doing the readings.

Class Participation:
Do the reading. Come to class. Dig into poetry.
You may miss three classes without directly lowering your grade—you don't need to provide any excuses. But use those absences wisely, because except in the case of verifiable hardship (e.g. Dean's or doctor's excuse), each absence after three lowers your final grade by 1/3 of a letter. For instance, a student with a B- final grade who missed three classes would earn a C+ for the semester.

Essays & Assignments:
You will write three short essays and an 8-10 page research essay. You will recite one poem during the semester and perform an "impersonation" at the end of the semester. You will also take a midterm and final exam.

All papers must be typed in a standard 12-point font, double-spaced with one-inch margins, and stapled. CITE YOUR SOURCES. All papers must provide complete bibliographic citations for ALL materials used, including the primary work(s) discussed, following MLA Style (Although style manuals are available in the reference section of the library, I urge you to purchase your own). You are encouraged to see me for help, to use the Writing Center, and to exchange papers with classmates in this class ONLY, provided you indicate in your pledge who helped you and how.

Assignment due dates are listed in the syllabus. Work handed in after these deadlines will be considered late and will be marked down a full letter grade for each day late. If you need an extension, you must clear it with me a week before the assignment is due. NOTE: The Carolina Inn is open from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., M–F, and locked nights and weekends. If you need to drop off or pick up a paper, make sure you get there before lock-up.

Grade Breakdown:
Paper #1: fascicle analysis = 10%
Paper #2: close reading = 10%
Paper #3: invent a poet = 10%
Paper #4: research = 25%
Midterm Review = 10%
Final Review = 15%
Recitation = 3%
Impersonation = 7%
Participation = 10%