Featured course: Autumn 2026
ENGLISH 3260 — Poetry and Transformation: Waging War with Sound
In this class, we consider sound as an element common to poetry and music. We consider sound as social and political as well as personal. We read, write and listen to poems and music. We study poets and musicians in their historical and social contexts. We explore how poets and musicians use sound as a weapon and a way to heal from trauma, to respond to a world that is often violent and chaotic. To the extent that we can effect positive change in the world and in ourselves, we study these revolutionary artists so that we can find our own personal and collective voices.
No prior musical or poetic knowledge is necessary.
Professor: D.B. Ruderman
GE theme: Traditions, Cultures and Transformations.