Reading Poetry: An Introduction to Social Poetics

Poetry is more than just words on a page; it is a vital medium for human connection, historical survival, and social change. In this written course, you will explore the powerful relationship between U.S. American poetics and the social histories of everyday people, focusing on marginalized voices and the revolutionary impact of Black poetry. Through this course, you will: Understand the foundational concepts of social poetics and how literature reflects lived experiences; Analyze the historical impact of Black poetry in America and its role in resistance and community building; Examine how poetry addresses themes of ownership, belonging, and identity; Explore modern digital poetry communities and how technology has democratized poetic expression; Apply critical reading techniques to unpack complex poetic structures and metaphors. The course starts with key poetic terminology and foundational definitions before guiding you through historical readings, modern intersectional perspectives, and contemporary poetic movements. This course is designed specifically for beginners, literature enthusiasts, and aspiring writers, requiring no prior background in literary analysis. Start reading today to deepen your appreciation of poetry as a tool for social understanding.