Modern & Contemporary American Poetry
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Course Details
Cost
FREE
Upcoming Schedule
- On demand
Course Provider
Coursera online courses
Coursera's online classes are designed to help students achieve mastery over
course material. Some of the best professors in the world - like neurobiology
professor and author Peggy Mason from the University of Chicago, and computer
science professor and Folding@Home director Vijay Pande - will supplement your
knowledge through video lectures. They will also provide challenging
assessments, interactive exercises during each lesson, and the opportunity to
use a mobile app to keep up with yo...
Coursera's online classes are designed to help students achieve mastery over
course material. Some of the best professors in the world - like neurobiology
professor and author Peggy Mason from the University of Chicago, and computer
science professor and Folding@Home director Vijay Pande - will supplement your
knowledge through video lectures. They will also provide challenging
assessments, interactive exercises during each lesson, and the opportunity to
use a mobile app to keep up with your coursework. Coursera also partners with
the US State Department to create “learning hubs” around the world. Students
can get internet access, take courses, and participate in weekly in-person
study groups to make learning even more collaborative. Begin your journey into
the mysteries of the human brain by taking courses in neuroscience. Learn how
to navigate the data infrastructures that multinational corporations use when
you discover the world of data analysis. Follow one of Coursera’s “Skill
Tracks”. Or try any one of its more than 560 available courses to help you
achieve your academic and professional goals.
Provider Subject Specialization
Humanities
Sciences & Technology
Course Description
ModPo is a fast-paced introduction to modern and contemporary U.S. poetry, with an emphasis on experimental verse, from Dickinson and Whitman to the present. Participants (who need no prior experience with poetry) will learn how to read poems that are supposedly "difficult."
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- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
Although I haven't finished the course I couldn't stop myself from making
public my amazement on how it's possible that an online course can become such
an engaging experience. Al Filreis is a passionate teacher, you can tell he
loves what he does, the Student Assistants team give different approaches to
each poem, adding value to them and well...being my first experience with
poetry, I feel like I've entered a new world. I was a bit reluctant to take
the plunge at first because I studied Economics and I have no specific
education regardind poetry, and even less, modern poetry. But I'm so happy
that I did it ! So please, for those who doubt because of that reason, do not
hesitate, you'll love this! And you won't only learn but you'll find a new
cultural world full of endless possibilities! Thank you very much, don't stop!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
I expect nothing … pushing (as they say, but I'm no Sisyphus) 80 I try not to
waste energy, especially mine. Coursera is a new word, to me. Words don't
waste energy. Modern & Contemporary American Poetry? Sounds safe. Online?
Sure. Saves gas. So it's turning out this course has taught me more than the
New York Times Sunday Crossword; more than a Kindle of free classics; more
than hanging out with my grandchildren; more than sitting around thinking, and
writing, and wondering. So, I know I will think about my new friends, living
and dead, long after this course ends. As Frank O'Hara says, Well … Well,
what? Well, for instance, I expect this course is indelible. Gloria MacKay
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
One among the best courses I have ever taken--certainly the best online course
ever. Carefully organized and planned for a variety of learning styles and
student differences. Modpo is accessible yet challenging and tempts students
to reach beyond, deeper, and wider. The videos make me feel as if I am in the
class, and I have inadvertently said things aloud as if I am there--later
captured in the discussion forums. The TAs and professor work through the
poems with an atmosphere of respect and openness even in disagreement. They
are part of the learners too, and we the teachers often.
- 1 review
- 0 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
This course is simply brilliant. I don't think it’s an exaggeration to say
that Al Filreis is an extraordinary teacher with a unique in-depth approach to
understanding poetry and teaching others to understand it. He’s so
enthusiastic and welcoming he just draws you to him. No wonder he’s gathered
such a wonderful crew of very bright and well versed people around him
(including ModPo community). Thanks to Prof. Filreis and his TAs this course
is very engaging, dynamic, mind-opening, entertaining. Somehow it exemplifies
for me what education should be about: it teaches you to think independently
about challenging issues and shows you how to shift perception in order to go
beyond the surface. Ultimately, it teaches you how to be free! I decided to
take this course out of sheer curiosity, without much prior knowledge of or
any special interest for American poetry. Now (7 weeks later) I’m totally in
love with the subject & feel so extreme...
This course is simply brilliant. I don't think it’s an exaggeration to say
that Al Filreis is an extraordinary teacher with a unique in-depth approach to
understanding poetry and teaching others to understand it. He’s so
enthusiastic and welcoming he just draws you to him. No wonder he’s gathered
such a wonderful crew of very bright and well versed people around him
(including ModPo community). Thanks to Prof. Filreis and his TAs this course
is very engaging, dynamic, mind-opening, entertaining. Somehow it exemplifies
for me what education should be about: it teaches you to think independently
about challenging issues and shows you how to shift perception in order to go
beyond the surface. Ultimately, it teaches you how to be free! I decided to
take this course out of sheer curiosity, without much prior knowledge of or
any special interest for American poetry. Now (7 weeks later) I’m totally in
love with the subject & feel so extremely grateful for the whole experience. I
really hope there will be MopPo 2!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
Before taking this course (thanks to my daughters) I had never heard the term
'close reading'. There is some magic going on here. Al Filreis simply loves
what he does and it shows. It is a pleasure to hear each of the TAs
perspectives and the sound of their voices (simply great audio). This
welcoming, warm, low tech first take approach with all its fidgeting and
fumbling make it real for me and it never feels too polished or slick -
leaving space for my thoughts to fit into the dialogue. I will continue to
feel a part of the ModPo community long after it officially ends. Thanks
everyone.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
I really don't know what to say that hasn't been said other than you
absolutely need to take this class!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
“So now we’re looking briefly at…” This is the way most of Al Filreis’ videos
begin and you always want that look to be less brief no matter how intense it
is. ModPo is definitely a course that makes someone richer. I recommend it to
all kinds of professionals, all kind of students and everyone who is open to
life, language, art and whatever exists between them. Open like most of the
poems we met in ModPo in this brief yet delicious taste of American poetry
which evokes a respect for American culture. My only regret: I will never
actually visit Kelly Writers House. On the other hand...anyone from ModPo
coming to Greece any time soon? ;-) (I have no clue about education levels in
the States so I can’t help with the question.)
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
I've been out of school for a long time and though I've had a challenging and
satisfying career, I've been intellectually hungry. This course fills that
hunger in a way that I can easily incorporate it into my busy schedule. The
readings and format are just terrific. I feel like I'm sitting at the table
with the TA's. I can't wait until the next conversation where someone starts
that party game, "who -- living or dead -- would you most like to have dinner
with?" My answer: Al Filreis!
- 1 review
- 0 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
Al Filreis has truly mastered how to make on-line learning an intimate,
educational experience. His enthusiasm, knowledge and preparedness make each
video discussion an engaging conversation. I feel I have learned a lot about
modern poets and poetry. My experience with poetry was primarily with much
earlier periods with some Whitman thrown in during American literature during
high school. I feel as though I'm at the conference table with the TAs. Great
content, interesting discussions, excellent guidance from Al. Two quick things
-- why no e.e. cummings? I'm convinced that "John" in "I Know a Man" is a
hitchhiker who Creeley picked up on the cross-country drive. One nit: It
clearly takes more time to get the full benefit of the course than I recall
was estimated. You may want to review that estimate to help manage student
expectations.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
I love this course. Studying poetry with Al Filreis, his creative and literate
TA's and the international ModPo community has been so much fun. Last night I
stayed up until 2 AM listening to videos and thinking about poetry - I didn't
want to stop. In addition to learning about modern poetry, I am developing
skills in close reading in other arts such as theatre, and movies. I even find
myself using "close reading" skills in many other aspects of my daily life. I
feel so lucky that I was able to enrich my life by taking this course. You
can, too. Thanks you WNYC radio for bringing us together!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
This is a wonderful course. I thank Al Filreis and the TAs for your tremendous
effort, for putting your hearts into this. I most appreciate that the video
discussions were spontaneous and not rehearsed, that you were engaging the
poems with the same sort of puzzlement and tentativeness and openness with
which far less practiced readers (like myself) approach them. This helped me
feel like I was there in the classroom. In particular, I thank you for
introducing me to Emily Dickinson and John Ashbery, and I hope you will teach
an online course someday on Wallace Stevens. Thanks again!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
It's been too long since I haven't studied poetry, but I wanted to take it up
again and ModPo has been a great surprise for me. I am very happy with the
contents selection, as well as the videos, which have really helped me to
widen my initial ideas of each poem that I have read. I hope to have more
courses available like this.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
ModPo is a wonderful surprise. The close reading of the poems, watched in
videos where Al Filreis talks with students, is great. The discussion forums
add points of view and open more possibilities to the poems. Al Filreis is
always there. You can ask him questions or changes though Twitter and he
answers as is there were only a few students and not over 30.000. Thaks for
the course, Al.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 7 months ago
Leave your everyday lives behind and enter the concert of ModPo. Conductor Al
Filreis and his TA band will swing you into a world of harmonic poetic
possibility, from Dickinson to Silliman, and supply you with the necessary
notes to play that music, even if you never have before. The course is
orchestrated with a comprehensive syllabus score, a bugle call introduction
for each week, symphonic video close readings of explanation, drumming forum
discussions, and the violin caressing TLC of extremely competent and kind
teachers. The experience is guaranteed to turn your mind’s sheet music
"allegretto" and change the way you see and hear poetry in the future. In
fact, the notions you will learn may inspire a poetic choir to sing within you
forever after!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
I am really enjoying this course that has made me discover some poets that I
didn't know and some others I only knew by name. Al Fireis and his team make a
great job here with explanations that everybody can understand (no previous
experience required), making me feel like in a real class with amazing class
mates. Highly recommended.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
There is little I can add to what my fellow students have so well put, and
still I would like to thank our fearless - facing such a huge classroom is
unprecedented - teachers, Prof. Filreis and his valiant TA's. Dear friends,
you have been making "all the difference" since the moment you chose to lead
us cheerfully along the road that " was grassy and wanted wear" just several
weeks ago. Can you believe it - only several weeks - I can't! After listening
to the introductory audio to Chapter 9-2, I just have to add one more comment,
and it doesn't matter if I am repeating what others have said before: the
course's great merit is in that it urges us to open our minds and hearts to
what is unconventional, new , different and, at times, not so sweet - sounding
to our ears. it is not easy, sometimes what we read doesn't initially make
much sense, but then...
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
I can't say enough good things about this course. It's so much more effective
than any university course I've done before - the concept is stunning - 33,000
of us from all over the world - a fascinating curriculum, videos of tutorial
type discussions between teaching assistants and the wonderful Al Filreis for
each poem we study as well as many other on line resources and a vast online
enthusiastic discussion forum which includes the professor and his teaching
assistants. I have learnt much more than I thought I would including how not
to be afraid of online communication.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
Just a fantastic course! I can't wait for each new week and the new material
and videos! It's amazing that there can be such a personal connection with
people I've never met, thousands of miles away. Credit the instructor and the
TA's. I must have more!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
This course is amazing in every sense of the word. We are led through a maze
of words, which are configured through our learning into greater beauty. The
format of the course is outstanding and very user friendly. Al Filreis is
charismatic and draws us in to his world just enough that we want to come back
for more.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
The course reveals wonders of poetry. Professor Al and the knowledgeable TA's
discuss and explain the poems intelligently and playfully. I learn and
understand more about poetry, the poems and poets. Certainly, the course is a
joy and I experienced the joy immensely..
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
This is an excellent course. Everyone and all ages will not only learn much
more than expected, but you will enjoy it, too! This is an extraordinary
teacher who understands how to effectively teach an online course.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
I signed up to see how an online course would work and found that Al Filreis
is a master teacher. This is not to slight the bright and enthusiastic TAs he
has helping him (and us) but he is the one who draws out the insights. I am an
avid reader of prose -- fiction and non-fiction -- but have never read poetry
for pleasure. I find a whole new world opening up to me.
- 2 reviews
- 2 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
I have loved every minute of this course ... I didn't know a lot about poetry
and nothing about contemporary & modern American poetry but that has not been
an issue. Al Filreis is an amazing instructor - you will never encounter a
more generous team than that of the ModPo course. In addition to the scheduled
video lectures each week, there was always interaction on the forums, our
facebook group and extra webcast scheduled each week. We were all given access
to the incredible resources at the Kelly Writer's House. You can tell this
team (Al & the TA's) are passionate and thrilled to lead this huge group of
ModPo students. They have really figured out how to engage with such a large
group. It has been an incredible experience. I've really grown to love poetry
and see it now as an interest of mine. One to develop. I am so grateful for
that.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
Take this course. You'll gain a new appreciation for language, and you'll
remember how much joy there can be in learning. You'll see everday things in a
new light. You'll find yourself fitting in study at the strangest times - not
because you have to, but because you want to. You'll form new bonds with your
classmates and become part of a community that feels both intimate and global.
Most of all, you'll come to love learning with the ModPo teaching assistants
and their truly inspiring professor, Al Filreis.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
Al Filreis's Modern & Contempory Poetry course is the very model of what
online learning should be. Whether you currently know little or know a lot
about poetry, this course has something for you. Al's enthusiasm is infectious
and his generosity inspiring. This course will enhance not only your enjoyment
of poetry, it will enhance your life. And that is not hyperbole. Don't miss
this course!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
5 years, 10 months ago
One of the most enriching experiences that I have ever had. There is a real
sense of community in this course and you are made to feel welcome and
comfortable-no matter what your previous experience with poetry is. Professor
Al Fireis and his TAs are very involved and really care about the students.
Highly recommend this course!
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
This is a great class for every level. The discussion boards are lively,
informative and civil. The syllabus follows a logical, well defined course.
The video classroom "lectures" are really round table discussions moderated by
Professor Filreis. They are lively, entertaining, enriching and informative.
If you've taken other courses you know how static the lectures can be. The
quality of video and live webcasts on "Modpo" are superb. The Professor has a
wonderful knack for making everyone in the class feel as though they have his
attention. He has a constant presence on the discussion boards and in the
facebook group.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
This is a great course if you love poetry, read poetry or even if you never
were too much into poetry. This course introduces the modern and contemporary
american poetry through some of the best poets that have written in American
History. The approach that Prof. Filreis has taken to guide the students
through the difficult, but enormously rewarding path of modern and
contemporary poetry in America, is a new and very interesting approach. More
than learning through classical academical tools, you will find yourself
involved and triggered to see, read and think differently. This is a great
course and I highly recommend it.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
This class is a model for future MOOCs. Instead of lectures, it has lively
discussions. The professor and the TAs are actively engaged in the forums and
have built a wonderful and supportive community. The materials are excellent
and the teaching is top-notch. My life is enlivened and enriched by the class,
and I expect the friendships I have made, and the projects I have begun, to
continue far into the future.
- 1 review
- 1 completed
6 years, 9 months ago
Nowhere else can you find such an engaging, informed, knowledgeable and yet
succinct introduction to Modern and Contemporary poetry. The video discussions
with the course TAs make you feel like you're eavesdropping on a seminar at a
top-notch university (which you are) and the discussion forums, short
assignments, and live webcasts allow you to participate at your own comfort
level. Taking this course sharpened my focus and helped me renew enthusiasm
for my own reading, writing and teaching of poetry. Al Filreis is charismatic
and personable, as well as a master of discussion leading. ModPo is a model of
innovative online pedagogy. The resources are invaluable.