Course overview

This ten-week course will explore at least five poets (two weeks per-poet) from the Bloodaxe Books anthology Identity Parade: New British & Irish Poets. Over the course of these sessions we will consider how the subject matter, style and cultural positioning of these poets from a range of diverse backgrounds contributes to a sense of a contemporary poetic identity in the individual sense, but also as far as we might be able to gauge more generally the ‘state of affairs’ of recently written poetry in the English language. We will examine the background of each poet we read along with reference to quality critical appraisals of each one. The sessions will combine close-reading and audio-visual materials with lively, inclusive and hopefully invigorating discussion. Whether you are just coming into poetry or have been reading and/or writing it for some time you will be welcome along to these sessions.

Course description

On this online 10-week course we will read, explore and enjoy some notable works by a selection of significant contemporary poets in the English language to explore issues surrounding identity, we will look at and consider a couple of key poets and poems each week in relation to the overall course theme. In doing so, we will create some links between form, ideas/subject matter and the life of each poet. Alongside close reading of the chosen poems we will engage with literary criticism on each poet, as well as poetry, form and poetics generally, exploring the backgrounds of each writer and their unique approach to the art of poetry, which

should set the poems in their temporal context and within the poet's life and career. Through this we will also look to understand how a particular sense of voice is established and created within the works we encounter.

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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