Course Description

Embark on a captivating journey through the realm of American Modernist poetry with this exceptional HarvardX literature course, the sixth module in the esteemed Poetry in America series. Led by Harvard Professor Elisa New, this introductory-level course delves deep into the revolutionary world of American Modernism, spanning from the 1910s to the mid-1940s. Explore the works of literary giants such as Robert Frost, T.S. Eliot, Marianne Moore, Langston Hughes, and many more as you uncover the essence of this transformative movement in American literature.

What Students Will Learn

• Master the art of reading, analyzing, and discussing poems and other texts, honing your critical thinking skills.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of American Modernism (ca. 1910-1945) within its historical, social, cultural, and artistic contexts.
• Develop strategies for identifying formal and thematic features that define the diverse array of American Modernist poems as "Modern."
• Explore the language of rejection and revolution, making and remaking, artistic appropriation, and cultural emancipation in poetry.
• Experience virtual expeditions to significant sites in the development of American Modernism, including the homes of Robert Frost and Wallace Stevens, and the Poetry Foundation in Chicago.

Prerequisites

This course is designed for beginners, and there are no prerequisites required. However, a passion for literature and an open mind to explore new poetic forms and ideas will greatly enhance your learning experience.

Course Coverage

• An in-depth study of American Modernist poets and their works
• The historical and cultural context of the American Modernism movement
• Analysis of formal and thematic features in Modernist poetry
• Virtual tours of significant locations in the development of American Modernism
• Interpretive seminars and discussions on various poems
• Interviews with poets, scholars, and distinguished guests
• The evolution of American poetry through the ages

Who This Course Is For

• Literature enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge of American poetry
• Students of English literature or American studies
• Aspiring poets seeking inspiration from Modernist masters
• Anyone interested in exploring the cultural and artistic landscape of early 20th-century America
• Lifelong learners eager to engage with the works of renowned poets and scholars

Real-World Applications

• Enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to various professional fields
• Improved ability to interpret and appreciate complex literary works
• A deeper understanding of American culture and history through its poetry
• Stronger written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to engage in meaningful discussions about literature and art
• A foundation for further studies in literature, creative writing, or cultural studies

Syllabus Overview

1. Introduction to American Modernism
2. Robert Frost and the New England landscape
3. T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" and urban modernism
4. Marianne Moore and the poetry of observation
5. Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance
6. William Carlos Williams and the American idiom
7. Edna St. Vincent Millay and female empowerment in poetry
8. Claude McKay and the voice of the immigrant experience
9. Dorothy Parker and the art of satire
10. Wallace Stevens and the imagination in poetry
11. The legacy of American Modernism in contemporary poetry

Join this fascinating exploration of American Modernist poetry and unlock a new appreciation for the literature of a nation. Through engaging video lectures, virtual expeditions, and insightful discussions with distinguished guests, you'll gain a profound understanding of this pivotal period in American literary history. Enroll now and discover the enduring power of Modernist poetry!