Assignment for ID#1

ID #1. Highlight of a poem presented in class before midterm (One long paragraph or two medium-length paragraphs)

Assignment: Identify a highlight or an important passage in a poem or poems from Unsettling America presented before the midterm, relate the passage(s) to a course objective, and explain the significance of the passage(s) both thematically and poetically.

Details:

How to identify:

·        Identify the author, title, and page number of the poem. As far as highlighting the specific passage of the poem, you may quote briefly and/or mention the passage’s location (e. g., “second stanza, lines 4-8, beginning with . . . ” etc.)

Relate it to a course objective:

·        You don’t need to write out the entire objective, but cite the number and letter and a few keywords at least.

Explain the passage's significance both thematically and poetically. 

·        "Thematically " means you make the passage's meaning stand out in relation to the course objective but also to other possible meanings relevant to the course.

·        “Poetically” means you offer some insights as to how the poem works as a poem; how does the poem make you feel the issues or problems, compared to an equivalent passage of plain prose? Consider objective 5e. “ . . . how all speakers and writers may use common devices of human language to make poetry, including narrative, poetic devices,  and figures of speech.”

·        Don’t feel limited in what you may or may not do. Comparisons with other course texts or with other courses you’ve taken are welcome, for instance.

selection:

·        Presenters may partly do their own poems but should also at least connect to someone else's poem

·        All students are welcome to refer to more than one poem, but don't spread out too much.