Recent American Poetry

In this course we will examine the phenomenon of the "important" book of late 20th century American poetry, books that in some way changed how poetry was written and practiced in their time. In looking at the event of each publication, we will study not only individual poems, but also the way those poems are arranged in the volume, the moment in literary and cultural history when the book appeared, and how the book was received. Texts will include Lowell, Life Studies; Plath, Ariel; Berryman, 77 Dream Songs; Rich, The Dream of a Common Language; Snyder, Turtle Island; and Hejinian, My Life. 3 hrs. lect.