<NEW COURSE>
"The Art of Words"
IS (Interdisciplinary Studies) 1039, 2.0 credits

Some poets find inspiration in art. Some artists find inspiration in words, and others use words as the actual building blocks of a work. Japanese masters create haiga, an art form that melds haiku with ink drawing. Poets write about art, creating what is called ekphrastic poetry. The art of the book has a long and venerable tradition.

In this class we'll explore the intersection of art and poetry. We'll meet writers and artists who are exploring this intersection. We'll travel to the Center for the Book Arts in Minneapolis to see book artists in action. And we'll look at art, read poems, and discuss how the poems and artworks succeed (or not).

Students will write a wide variety of poems and make a variety of books. Responding to peers' work in constructive ways will be an important part of the course. Students will learn how to perform their poetry and how to talk about their art. And they'll produce at least one work that combines their poetry with their book-making vision. The class will culminate in a gallery exhibit and reading to showcase students' work during the class.