Poetry as Resistance: Remixing Archive

Experiential learning course with focus on contemporary American poets of color who remix and reinvent past in their work. By building their poetry around historical documents, archives, and museum holdings, Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, Robin Coste Lewis, Layli Long Soldier, J. Michael Martinez, M. NourbeSe Philip, Claudia Rankine, and Tracy K. Smith appropriate, recycle, and renew historical texts and artifacts to resist politics of present moment. All seven poets have done significant research to create their poetry. Study of archival space, practices, and research methods in conjunction with UCLA Library Special Collections, Fowler Museum, and Hammer Museum to better understand their poetry. Culminates in creative research project. No poetry, art, or research experience necessary.

P/NP or letter grading.