Poetry in Age of Mass Incarceration

Examination of function of poetry in relation to mass incarceration. Examination of contemporary American carceral history and various tools that poets have used to challenge dichotomy of innocence versus criminality. Some tools include writing poems about police violence, editing anthologies with creative works of incarcerated people, and teaching poetry in detention centers. Examination of how poets have striven to make legible state violence where it is otherwise unseen. In workshop component, students respond creatively to works discussed during seminars in order to better understand and confront one of largest social issues of our times. This generative practice allows for better development of portfolio of literary techniques to use while writing creatively. Students learn how to affirmingly critique work of their peers, and receive criticisms of their own works.

Letter grading.