Writing Poetry: Writing the Deep Places
OLLI at Duke has introduced some changes reflective of our commitment to offer more writing courses tailored to the interests and creative spirits of our members. Whether you struggle to find your voice, aspire to create a compelling travel blog, or record important stories for your family, OLLI’s writing courses offer opportunities to reflect and explore key themes and transitions in your life.
IN PERSON: The magic of a memorable poem comes from its ability to touch and transport us emotionally and intellectually. Yet intimate poems are often wrought from life or passions, and this material can be difficult to handle. During this in-person course, we will discover strategies to help us write our truths, to pursue what begs to be a poem. Using stellar poems from Edward Hirsch’s breathtaking anthology, 100 Poems to Break Your Heart, you will be guided to read two or three poems each week that employ similar strategies but are different in what they consider or their voice, tone, or style. Such strategies include writing in the third person, choosing the correct form for the poem, and using persona. Poets are invited to bring a new or applicable poem to each class, where we will discuss your poems together. Participants are also invited to send their poems to the instructor prior to class for a written response. • Facilitated discussion.
These changes were made in response to member feedback, including capping enrollment, extending the class meeting time, and providing increased clarity regarding course content and expectations for class participation. In order to ensure these changes are sustainable, we adjusted course pricing. We recognize smaller classes mean fewer OLLI members can enroll and these courses will fill quickly; however, our goal is to increase OLLI members’ overall satisfaction. We are committed to gradually increasing the number and variety of writing courses in future terms. If you have other feedback or suggestions for future writing courses/ instructors, please email OLLI@duke.edu.
Required: You will need a computer and the ability to send the instructor your weekly poem. Required text: • Edward Hirsch, 100 Poems to Break Your Heart (9780544931886) Jane Seitel is an expressive arts therapist, writer, and teacher. She received an MEd from Lesley University and an MFA from Drew University, focusing on poetry and poetry in translation. She founded a poetry press for women over 50 and has won numerous awards for her poems and creative nonfiction.
Help Shape the OLLI Curriculum Is there a course you would like to see offered? Do you know someone who would be a great instructor? Are you interested in teaching a course in an area of your interest/passion?
• 6 Tue, Jan 25-Mar 01, 1:30-3:00pm • In person at Judea Reform Congregation, Durham • Maximum: 10; Fee: $95; Course ID: 3353
Contact Beth Anderson, chair of the Curriculum Committee, at curriculum@olliatduke.org. We value your ideas!
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