Prosody: The Rhythm and Sound of Poetry

This course introduces prosody, the study of the rhythmic and intonational aspects of poetry and spoken language. We will explore the technical components of meter, rhythm, stress, intonation, and sound patterns across various poetic traditions. By examining classical and contemporary texts, students will learn to analyze and appreciate the auditory dimensions of language and poetry. The course will also include practical exercises in scansion and the composition of original verse, with an emphasis on understanding the effects of different prosodic choices. 

Our primary purpose is to look at how a poem works – specifically, what the prosodic elements are that enable a poem to work. We will also explore how the choices that we make create the appropriate vessel for the poetic energy that must be held.  The heroic crown of sonnets written by Marilyn Nelson in A Wreath for Emmett Till is the only form that could hold the rage, grief, love, sorrow, and wonder.  Sometimes the poet intuitively finds the perfect form, but often it is through the process of revision that we discover what the poem needs.  Poets of study are contemporary voices from historically marginalized communities.