The Sonnet in Three Ways

In this 4-part course, we will explore the ways that poets have written sonnets throughout time. By examining a traditional sonnet by William Shakespeare, as well as sonnets by modernist poet Robert Frost and postmodern poet Li-Young Lee, students will gain a deep understanding of the conventions and evolution of the sonnet.

In the first three classes, each session will begin with a terminology check-in to gauge students’ familiarity with what we will discuss that day. Terminology will include types of figurative language, sound devices, and basic poetry vocabulary. We will then briefly discuss definitions and examples of the terminology. Next we will listen to, read, and discuss a poem—from our initial impressions to our identification and analysis of its devices. We will check for understanding toward the end of class to see how students’ knowledge of the terminology has improved. Then we will complete a short writing exercise. 

Students should expect to think deeply about one poem for the entire class period, listen thoughtfully and respectfully to their classmates’ ideas, and share their own ideas. (Being a poet myself, I like to take my time with each poem and listen to my students discuss its many possibilities.) By the end of each class, students should expect to have gained an understanding of a poem’s meanings and the effects of its poetic devices. Homework and feedback will be offered.

The final class will tie together the work we have done, so it will be structured differently. This final class will give students opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned through a paragraph or poem. Feedback will be offered.