Poetry in America: Modernism

Course Overview

This module of the Poetry in America series, led by Harvard Professor Elisa New, explores the diverse array of American Modernist poets and poems from the 1910s to the mid-1940s. Learners will study the works of Robert Frost, T.S. Eliot, Marianne Moore, Langston Hughes, William Carlos Williams, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Claude McKay, Dorothy Parker, and Wallace Stevens. Through video lectures, archival images and texts, expeditions to historic sites, interpretive seminars with large and small groups, interviews with poets and scholars, and conversations about poems with distinguished Americans, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the literature of a nation. Along the way, distinguished guests including Elena Kagan, Henry Louis Gates, Eve Ensler, John McCain, Andrea Mitchell, Michael Pollan, Drew Faust, Tony Kushner, and Nas, among others, will bring fresh perspectives to the study of American poetry.

[Applications]
The application of this course can be seen in the study of American poetry and literature. Learners can use the knowledge gained from this course to explore the works of American Modernist poets and to gain a better understanding of the language of rejection and revolution, of making and remaking, of artistic appropriation and cultural emancipation. Additionally, learners can use the course to gain a better understanding of the history of American poetry and to explore the sites that witnessed and cultivated the rise of American Modernism. Finally, learners can use the course to gain insight into the perspectives of distinguished guests on American poetry.

[Career Paths]
1. Poetry Editor: Poetry editors are responsible for reviewing and selecting poems for publication in magazines, journals, and other literary publications. They also provide feedback to poets on their work, and help to shape the overall direction of the publication. As the popularity of poetry continues to grow, the demand for experienced poetry editors is expected to increase.

2. Poetry Critic: Poetry critics are responsible for analyzing and evaluating the work of poets. They often write reviews and essays for literary publications, and may also be asked to give lectures or teach classes on poetry. As the field of poetry continues to expand, the need for knowledgeable and experienced poetry critics is expected to grow.

3. Poetry Instructor: Poetry instructors are responsible for teaching classes on poetry and related topics. They may teach classes at universities, colleges, or other educational institutions, or they may offer private lessons. As the popularity of poetry continues to rise, the demand for experienced poetry instructors is expected to increase.

4. Poetry Writer: Poetry writers are responsible for creating original works of poetry. They may write for publication in magazines, journals, and other literary publications, or they may write for their own personal enjoyment. As the field of poetry continues to grow, the need for talented and creative poetry writers is expected to increase.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor of Arts in English Literature: A Bachelor of Arts in English Literature is a great way to explore the history and development of literature in the English language. This degree program will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various genres of literature, including poetry, drama, and fiction. Students will also learn about the various literary movements, such as Modernism, and the ways in which literature has been shaped by culture and society. This degree program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching, publishing, or writing.

2. Master of Arts in Creative Writing: A Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a great way to develop the skills necessary to become a successful writer. This degree program will provide students with the opportunity to explore their own creative writing style and develop their own unique voice. Students will learn about the various forms of creative writing, such as poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and will be able to hone their craft through workshops and seminars. This degree program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in writing, publishing, or teaching.

3. Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature: A Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature is a great way to explore the history and development of literature in the English language. This degree program will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various genres of literature, including poetry, drama, and fiction. Students will also learn about the various literary movements, such as Modernism, and the ways in which literature has been shaped by culture and society. This degree program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching, publishing, or writing.

4. Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a great way to develop the skills necessary to become a successful writer. This degree program will provide students with the opportunity to explore their own creative writing style and develop their own unique voice. Students will learn about the various forms of creative writing, such as poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and will be able to hone their craft through workshops and seminars. This degree program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in writing, publishing, or teaching.