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 (four class meetings) analyzing twelve poems by Williams.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will have familiarity with:
K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the disciplines of literary studies and culture and religion studies within the domain of English Studies, as they pertain to the poetry of T.S.Eliot, Ezra Pound and W.C,Williams
K_W08 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright
Abilities
Students will be able to:
K_U01 apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the disciplines of literary studies and culture and region studies within the domain of English Studies, particularly as pertinent to American modernist poetry
K_U08 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources with regard to American modrrnist poetry
K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required for the study of American modernist poetry
*** Applies to students who began their studies in the year 2022/2023 ***
Knowledge
Students will have familiarity with:
K_W02 understand key terminology, well established methods and theories of linguistics, literary studies and culture studies within English studies, with particular emphasis on American modernist poetry
K_W03 describe methodology and recent developments in English literary studies and culture studies as they pertain to American modernist poetry
K_W07 explain principles of designing literary and culture studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions pertaining to Amwerican modernist poetry
Abilities
Students will be able to:
K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies
K_U02 employ the methodology of literary and culture studies within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in literary studies and in culture and religion studies
K_U11 design one’s own development
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests
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.
.
Assessment criteria
Teaching methods: analysis of primary texts, moderated discussion, interactive lecture
Methods of evaluation: participation in class dsicussions (K_W01); final written test (K_U01, K_K02)
Practical placement
not in this course
Bibliography
T.S.Eliot: The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock; The Waste Land; Preludes; The Hollow Men
Lyndall Gordon, "T.S.Eliot: An Imperfect Life". Norton, 2000.
Hugh Kenner, "The Pound Era". University of California Press, 1971.
Ezra Pound: In a Station of the Metro; The River-Merchant's Wife;
Hugh Selwyn Mauberley; Cantos I, XVII, XLV; XIII; XLVII; XLIX
William Carlos Williams: Spring and All; To Elsie; The Red Wheelbarrow; This is Just to Say;; Pastoral.The Yachts; Proletarian Portrait; Young Sycamore; Portrait of a Lady; The Young Housewife; The Dance
Notes
|
Term 2026Z:
Number of allowed absences: three |