Poetry Course Weeks Five and Six

Week 5: Ghazal and Tanka Mastery

Day 1: Unveiling the Ghazal

• Activity: Analyze classic ghazals for their structure and themes.
• Lecture: Explore the historical and cultural context of ghazals.
• Discussion: Share impressions and discuss the themes of love and longing in ghazals.

Day 2: Crafting the Ghazal Form

• Activity: Break down the structure of a ghazal and discuss rhyme patterns.
• Lecture: Explore the traditional themes and variations within ghazals.
• Discussion: Discuss the challenges and beauty of writing within the constraints of a ghazal.

Day 3: Understanding Tanka

• Activity: Analyze traditional tankas for their brevity and emotion.
• Lecture: Explain the structure and cultural significance of tankas.
• Discussion: Share thoughts on capturing a moment in five lines.

Day 4: Writing Exercise - Expressive Tanka

• Activity: Write tankas focusing on concise expression of emotion.
• Assignment: Craft a tanka capturing a fleeting moment or emotion.
• Vocabulary Words: Matla, Radif, Wazn.

Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback

• Activity: Peer review workshop for ghazals and tankas.
• Lecture: Discuss the impact of repetition in ghazals and the art of brevity in tankas.
• Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' work.

Study Guide Questions for Week 5:

1. What are the traditional themes of love and longing in ghazals?
2. Explore the structure of a ghazal, including the use of repeated words and rhyme patterns.
3. Discuss the cultural significance of tankas and their role in capturing fleeting moments.
4. How does the brevity of tankas contribute to their emotional impact?
5. Reflect on the challenges and rewards of crafting ghazals and tankas.

Quiz: Assessment on the understanding of ghazals, tankas, and the cultural context of these poetic forms.

Week 6: Cinquains and Pantoum Prowess

Day 1: Mastering Cinquains

• Activity: Analyze classic cinquains for their simplicity and structure.
• Lecture: Explore the syllabic pattern and thematic focus of cinquains.
• Discussion: Share thoughts on capturing a subject in just five lines.

Day 2: Crafting Cinquains with Precision

• Activity: Break down the process of crafting a cinquain.
• Lecture: Discuss the importance of word choice and economy of language in cinquains.
• Discussion: Share and discuss individual cinquains, highlighting successful elements.

Day 3: Embracing the Pantoum

• Activity: Analyze a famous pantoum for its repetition and layered meaning.
• Lecture: Explain the structure and narrative possibilities of pantoums.
• Discussion: Discuss the role of repetition in creating a rhythmic flow.

Day 4: Writing Exercise - Developing a Pantoum

• Activity: Craft a pantoum exploring a theme of personal growth or change.
• Assignment: Write a cinquain on a chosen subject.
• Vocabulary Words: Quatrain, Refrain, Syllabic Pattern.

Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback

• Activity: Peer review workshop for cinquains and pantoums.
• Lecture: Discuss the challenges and rewards of repetition in pantoums.
• Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' work.

Study Guide Questions for Week 6:

1. Discuss the simplicity and structure of cinquains. How does their syllabic pattern contribute to their impact?
2. Explore the importance of word choice and economy of language in crafting cinquains.
3. What defines a pantoum, and how does repetition contribute to its rhythmic flow?
4. Discuss the narrative possibilities and layered meaning in pantoums.
5. Reflect on the process of crafting cinquains and pantoums. What challenges did you face?

Quiz: Assessment on cinquains, pantoums, and the effective use of repetition in poetry.