#LI-03-11 Poetry: How to Read a Poem
About Course
University of YorkDescription
Dive into the wonderful world of poetry and learn how to analyse a poem
Humans have communicated their thoughts, ideas, and feelings through poetry throughout history. At its best, it tells us new truths about the human experience. However, it’s often presented as hard to understand without expert knowledge.
On this course, you’ll build your confidence in reading and enjoying poetry.
Whether you’re a poetry fanatic or you’re eager to learn, you’ll learn tools for approaching the study of poetry, ways to express your appreciation of poetry, and ways to find new riches in your favourite poems.
This course will also give you guidance on developing your own poetic voice when writing verse.
Who will you learn with?
I am a Lecturer in Contemporary Literature in the Department of English and Related Literature at York, and a widely published critic on contemporary writing and visual culture.
I’m Head of the Department of English and Related Literature at the University of York, and a Professor of Renaissance Literature. I’m fascinated by all aspects of the study of literature.
I curate the University of York’s ‘How to Read a Poem’ course, and am a PhD student in the Department of English at York. I research the politics of genre in contemporary literature.
Who developed the course?
The University of York combines the pursuit of academic excellence with a culture of inclusion, which encourages everyone – from a variety of backgrounds – to achieve their best.
What Will I Learn?
- Identify different poetic forms, techniques and genres
- Debate how poems create their effects, and describe how a given poem works in a way that is effective, accessible and compelling
- Engage with some key critical and theoretical arguments about poetry, intertextuality and literature
- Reflect on the social and cultural dynamics that inform poems and inspire and influence poets
- Develop an understanding of the place of contemporary poetry in a long poetic tradition
- Apply these insights to improve and develop your own critical and creative writing, if you wish to do so
Topics for this course
Favourite poems
HOW TO READ – AND ENJOY – A POEM – VAHNI CAPILDEO VIDEO (03:01)00:03:01
MEANING IN POETRY – DOES IT MATTER? DISCUSSION
EMERITUS PROFESSOR DEREK ATTRIDGE ON HIS FAVOURITE POEM VIDEO (03:34)00:03:34
DR SHAZIA JAGOT ON HER FAVOURITE POEM VIDEO (03:21)00:03:21
YOUR FAVOURITE POEM DISCUSSION
Poetic tradition
Closing thoughts
I love poetry, have done since childhood - thanks, Dad. Introduced to some wonderful new work, hotly defended my own views, all good humoured and well guided by York. One of the great FL courses of all time.
A very well constructed course with a wide range of material which stimulated a more thoughtful appreciation and understanding of what is involved in poetry.
This was much better than I expected for a free online course. Excellent study materials, with well-informed and inspiring input from the tutors. It strikes a good balance between accessibility and being more challenging.
Do take this course. It is not boring (which is what I initially thought the course experience would be), but actually very well organised, educative and interesting.