Sentence Workshop - bmc.CRWT.B267.001.F26
Section outline
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Course Description:
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.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand and define key concepts in prosody, including meter, rhyme, rhythm, stress, and intonation.
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Analyze the prosodic features of a wide range of poetic forms and traditions.
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Perform scansion and identify different metrical patterns.
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Explore the relationship between prosody and meaning in poetry and prose.
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Compose original poetry employing various metrical forms and rhythmic structures.
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Critically engage with scholarly texts on prosody.
Texts:
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Attridge, Derek. Poetic Rhythm
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Rekdal, Paisley. Real Toads, Imaginary Gardens: On Reading and Writing Poetry Forensically
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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Introduction to the course and syllabus overview.
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Key concepts: syllable
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MODEL WORKSHOP – Workshop from Swing Mezzo with Dr. León
Artist Statement (begun in class)
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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Exploring the metrical foot: rhythm, meter, foot, iamb, trochee, anapest, dactyl, spondee.
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Meter in English poetry: accentual-syllabic verse.
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Group workshop discussions
Rekdall, Chapter 8 and 9; Attridge, Introduction.
Artist Statement
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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Substitution and inversion in meter.
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The role of metrical variation in poetic expression.
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Group workshop discussions
Reading for Week 3: Attridge, Chapter 2. Rekdall, 3 and 4
1-2 poems with preambles for workshop
Group Letters
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Opened: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 12:00 AMDue: Monday, September 28, 2026, 12:00 AM
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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Understanding the difference between meter and rhythm.
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The role of performance in prosody.
CLASS VISIT ONLINE, Mayda Del Valle, Poet laureate of Chicago
Reading: Tsur, Chapters 1-2.
1-2 poems with preambles for workshop
2-3 Group Letters
Feedback reflection 1
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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Types of rhyme: perfect, slant, eye, internal.
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Sound devices: alliteration, assonance, consonance, onomatopoeia.
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Group workshop discussions
1-2 poems with preambles for workshop
2-3 Group Letters
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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The evolution of prosodic theory from classical to modern times.
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Historical approaches to rhythm and meter.
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Group workshop discussions
Reading: Attridge, Chapter 3;
1-2 poems with preambles for workshop
2-3 Group Letters
Feedback reflection 2
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Opened: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 12:00 AMDue: Monday, October 19, 2026, 11:59 PM
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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How prosody shapes poetic forms: sonnet, villanelle, blank verse, free verse.
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Group workshop discussions
Reading: Rekdall, Chapters 5 and 10
1-2 poems with preambles for workshop
2-3 Group Letters
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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Introduction to cognitive poetics.
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How cognitive processes influence the perception of rhythm and meter.
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Group workshop discussions
Reading: Tsur, Chapters 3-4.
1-2 poems with preambles for workshop
2-3 Group Letters
Feedback reflection 3
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Opened: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 12:00 AMDue: Monday, November 2, 2026, 11:59 PM
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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Workshop: Applying prosodic analysis to selected poems.
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Group discussions and presentations.
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Group workshop discussions
Reading: Selected poems (provided by the instructor).
1-2 poems with preambles for workshop
2-3 Group Letters
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Activities
Readings Due Assignments Due
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Modern and postmodern approaches to prosody.
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The role of prosody in digital and spoken word poetry.
GUEST SPEAKER: Danez Smith
Reading: Attridge, Chapter 4; Tsur, Chapter 5.
Generative Workshop (in class)
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Activities
Readings Due
Assignments Due
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Comparative prosody: English and non-English traditions.
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The challenges of translating prosody.
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Group workshop discussions
Reading: Selected articles (provided by the instructor). (Auden and one other of your choice)
1-2 poems with preambles for workshop
2-3 Group Letters
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Activities
Readings Due
Assignments Due
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Individual consultations on final projects.
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Peer review and feedback session.
Reading: N/A (work on final projects).
Feedback reflection 4
Artist statement
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Student presentations on their final projects – Part 1 (Portfolios or films, up 4 minutes))
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Feedback on portfolios
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Opened: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 12:00 AMDue: Monday, November 30, 2026, 11:59 PM
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Student presentations on their final projects – Part 2 (Portfolios or films, up 4 minutes))
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Feedback on portfolios
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Review of key concepts and texts.
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Reflective discussion on the study of prosody.
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Course evaluations.
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