Modernism in American Poetry I (E. Pound, T.S. Eliot, W.C. Williams) 3301-LA223
Close readings of selected poems by Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot and William Carlos Williams, supplemented by lectures on their historical backgrounds and contexts. We begin with a brief overview of Modernism in the arts and sciences (Freud and Einstein were Modernists), discuss "The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock" and compare it with earlier poems by Robinson and Longfellow. We then pass on to Ezra Pound's early work, with an emphasis on Imagism. His interest in the Provencal, Italian, Greek, Latin and Chinese traditions, and his translations from these languages are the subject of the next class. Then comes the Great War, which must be presented in some detail to contextualize "Hugh Selwyn Mauberley," as well as "The Waste Land." Five class meetings will be devoted to analyzing these two poems. Next, an overview of Pound's Cantos and close readings of several of them (e.g. I, XVII, XLV). The "luminous detail" method and the ideogrammic method will be presented as the chief technical means Pound used to achieve some of his goals in the Cantos. Some consideration will be given to the juncture of politics and aesthetics in the Cantos, with the main emphasis on Pound's economic theories and their relation to his anti-Semitism. We then pass on to Williams, discuss his aesthetic and ideological disagreements with Pound and, especially, Eliot, touch upon Objectivism, and spend the rest of the course analyzing a dozen or so poems by Williams.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
The graduate can
K_W02 understand key terminology, well established methods and theories of researching modernist poetry in the works of Pound, Eliot and Williams
K_W04 describe the relation between the language,of American modernist poetry, and historical and cultural processes on an advanced level
K_W11 recall notions and principles pertaining to intellectual property and copyright law
Abilities: the graduate is able to
K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from literary studies, with special emphasis on those used in research on modernist American poetry P6S_UW
K_U02 employ the methodology of literary studies within English studies, and American modernist poetry in particular,respecting the ethical norms and copyright law P6S_UW
K_U03 analyze , literary phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis with respect to their social, historical and economic context within the general scope of modernism P6S_UW
K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in literary studies concerning modernist American poetry P6S_UW, P6S_UK
K_U07 employ modern technology for the sake of obtaining information and using various communication channels and techniques P6S_UW, P6S_UK
K_U09 present knowledge and communicate in a cohesive, precise and linguistically correct manner in the English language at level C1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages P6S_UK
K_U11 design one’s own development P6S_UU
Social competences: the graduate is ready to
K_K01 fulfill societal obligations and perform actions benefiting the social environment in accordance with the knowledge, skills and competences obtained in the course of studies at the program “English studies literature and culture”. P6S_KK
K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests P6S_KK
K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, voluntary services, etc. P6S_KR
K_K04 apply the skill to critically assess communicated content to think and act independently in various social situations P6S_KO
K_K05 function effectively in social and cultural interactions, through various forms and media, thanks to the ability to express oneself in a cohesive and lucid manner P6S_KO
K_K06 value cultural heritage and cultural diversity P6S_KO
Assessment criteria
Attendance and participation in class discussions (25% of final grade) maximum number of absences: 3; fnal written test (75% of final grade)). Retake test: written.
Bibliography
Ezra Pound: In a Station of the Metro; The River-Merchant's Wife;
Hugh Selwyn Mauberley; Cantos I, XVII, XLV; XIII; XLVII; XLIX
T.S.Eliot: The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock; The Waste Land; Preludes; The Hollow Men
William Carlos Williams: Spring and All; To Elsie; The Red Wheelbarrow; This is Just to Say; The Dance; Pastoral.The Yachts; Proletarian Portrait; Young Sycamore; Portrait of a Lady
Additional information
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