Poetry and Feminism
Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21
Zoom – Wednesday 10:30 am – Noon
It was once widely believed that women and the female experience were incompatible with writing poetry. But with second wave feminism in the 1960’s and 70’s, women’s voices emerged in poetry as well as in political movements. We examine how these poets “turned, twisted, and blasted open poetry’s forms, subjects, and institutions to make room for their experiences and their voices.” (Poetry Foundation) The poems include considerations of female sexuality, authorship, motherhood and gender. Join us as we explore an exciting array of women’s voices, including Muriel Rukeseyer, Denise Levertov, Marge Piercy, Sylvia Plath, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maxine Kumin, Diane Wakoski, Adrienne Rich, May Swenson, Sharon Olds, Margaret Atwood, Marie Ponsot, Audre Lorde, and others! No experience with poetry is required; poems will be read and discussed during class, with all being encouraged to participate.
Sandy Soson has a BA in English from the University of Michigan and an MA from Wesleyan University. She has taught high school English for her entire professional career. In recent years she has run the Poetry Out Loud program for local high school students, facilitated writing workshops for adults, taught ESOL as a Literacy Volunteer as well as taken and taught courses at Lifetime Learners. She is passionate about poetry and enjoys sharing her love of it with others.