Courses
GDSS1947 Human Nature Through Poets’ Eyes (IGE) (3 units)
- Medium of Instruction:
- English
Poetry is often understood as one of the most direct and authentic modes of expression for individual experience, as a way of communicating private joys and sorrows. While the impulse behind poetic composition is usually individual, though, the completed work can also be examined in terms of social roles and relationships. Even after they are composed poems continue to circulate throughout society, being quoted and adapted for other purposes.
The course is organized around several topics both fundamental to human experience and also popular subjects for poetry. These are love poetry; mystical poetry; war poetry; and dramatic poetry. There is a creative interlude halfway through for students to experiment with composing their own poems.
The main poetic texts will be selected from literary traditions around the world, and presented in English translation. There will be an emphasis on the rich tradition of Chinese poetry, which can be read in either the original or translation, or both, depending on student interest.
Students will be expected to compose an original poem based closely on models presented in class; give a presentation on a poem that elucidates its cultural context; and write essays exploring the literary and sociocultural significance of particular poems.
http://ge.hkbu.edu.hk/course/IGE-1947/