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Exploring Poetry: Classes and Reading Groups |
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For many, poetry seems to be the most puzzling of literary forms. Many of us have come to see poetry as some sort of hard-to-crack puzzle, an elusive art form of secret meanings and hidden symbols. This course will help students embrace the world of poetry through exploring a wide selection of poetic types and poets. By learning to truly feel poems first, one can begin to find what makes poetry special. Through a wide variety of readings (from the ancient to the contemporary), and even trying a hand at writing poetry ourselves, we can begin to appreciate this rewarding form of literature. This class is available as a traditional course format, or, if preferred, the teacher can facilitate more of a “reading group” style seminar. Both approaches provide valuable opportunities to explore the poems in a positive, encouraging atmosphere. |
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“Benefits are many. We get a chance to discuss poets whose work we know and love, and actually even better, poets who are new to us or who we have not appreciated in the past. Bob is a great facilitator, with just the right mix of class participation. The atmosphere is serious, but relaxed, very welcoming and non-threatening. All viewpoints are treated with respect. The teacher provides guidance and information, while soliciting opinions, thoughts, insights, etc. from all class members.” “I find I have an appreciation for poets and poetry that I simply hadn't cultivated before. Interestingly enough my thoughts processes in other arenas, reading the newspaper, discussing literature in my book clubs etc. has taken a different turn that I couldn't have foreseen. Poetry is coloring my life in a more creative way. The atmosphere in the class is orderly, accepting and alive. Bob's approach is to encourage everyone's contribution, validate their thoughts and give it all a bit of his own perceptions. It keeps things moving so the class time seems to fly by.” “It has been wonderful. Bob is a very encouraging teacher. My own appreciation and understanding of poetry has been deepened, and I've come to enjoy poets I'd never heard of or initially disliked. The whole experience of these classes has been one of enlightenment. Bob is a great teacher!” |
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For nearly fifteen years, I have taught writing at major universities, for lifelong learning organizations, and with private social groups. Now, my poetry appreciation classes are available in the greater Los Angeles area. I would value the opportunity to this type of course, or reading group, to you. |
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Students talk about the course... |
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I have taught writing and literature at the university level at schools including Arizona State University, Georgia State University, and (currently) UC Santa Barbara. I also work closely with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where I teach both poetry and creative nonfiction. This work has been particularly fulfilling, as I have been able to help a wide variety of lifelong learners explore their personal stories to create memoirs and polish their autobiographies. My poetry has appeared in a wide variety of national literary journals, including The Mid-American Review, The American Literary Review, Blackbird, and many more. In 2009, my book The Spider Sermons will be released; in 2007, my chapbook Theory of the Walking Big Bang was published. I look forward to the possibility of exploring poetry with you—please contact me with any questions or to set up a class/reading group. |
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About me... |