In this course, students will focus on the art of poetry and the role poetics plays within social justice activism. We will examine published poets writing about topics of resistance, revolution, and redress. During this course, we will explore docupoetics, poetry as witness, and other forms of activism through poetry, with a keen eye on what it means to create works based upon lived experiences and witnessing. Students will examine radical movements over the years that used poetry as a tool to fight against silence and oppression, including the American Indian Movement, Black Lives Matter, Riot Girl, and more. Students will read works from a range of poets including Audre Lorde, Chystos, Layli Long Soldier, and more. By examining different works and movements, students will practice writing and utilizing the art of poetics as a mode of activism. There will be readings, reading reflections, creative writing projects, and peer led class seminars.
This course is inclusive and open to all level of writers, creatives, and thinkers. Class will meet on Wednesdays 6-9:30pm in person and on Zoom, students are expected to have access to Canvas and Zoom.