W303 14732 WRITING POETRY
Alyce Miller
http://mypage.iu.edu/~almiller/				

REQUIRES PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.

4:00p-5:15p TR (15 students) 3 cr.

This intermediate-level course is designed to give you more practice
in  the pleasurable discipline of writing poetry, in addition to
helping you examine more closely how poetry is made.  Drafting and
revising poems will help you work toward further understanding the
importance of craft, with a focus on sound, rhythms, images, word,
diction, line, syntax, themes, meaning, etc. In addition to original
writing, you will also read and discuss works by a range of
published poets, some old, and some new, but all chosen for
stylistic, aesthetic, and formal variety.

The class will follow a workshop format. Over the semester, you will
draft and revise a number of poems, some of them generated by
specific assignments, others begun simply through your own
imagination.  Your written work will be discussed and thoughtfully
critiqued verbally and in writing (by peers and instructor alike) in
regular workshops scheduled throughout the semester. You must be
comfortable giving and receiving constructive criticism.

Course expectations: As writing workshops are self-generating, your
regular attendance, full participation, on-time assignments, and
enthusiasm are essential for a successful semester.

Final Portfolio: You will select a number of your best poems
written, revised, and discussed in class over the semester.

Application instructions (please read and follow these carefully so
that your application can be given fullest consideration):

1. Please select 4 to 6 of your best (favorite) original poems (6-10
pages) or,  if you are a prose writer, 8-10 pages maximum of your
best (favorite) original story or essay, to include with  your
application.

2. Please write me a one-page letter describing a little about
yourself and your interest in a poetry writing class. Please be sure
to identify any previous course work in creative writing classes
(please include the course number, the name of your instructor, and
the grade you received).  Please also include the campus email
address where you can be contacted.  (This email address will become
part of the class distribution list. Please also make sure that your
mailbox is free to receive messages. If your mailbox does not accept
my emails, I will have no choice but to move on to the next
applicant.)

3. Because I am on sabbatical Fall 06, you may email me your poetry
applications at almiller@indiana.edu.  Please include everything in
email text, since attachments can be tricky to open.  Please be sure
to write "W303 Application" in the subject line so your application
can be easily identified.  If for any reason you have not heard back
within a week, please contact me again.