About the Course
The Odyssey in Poetry is a 7-week workshop where we will study poetry that writes and rewrites The Odyssey. We’ll read works by Louis Glück, Osip Mandelstam, Mary Ruefle, Wallace Stevens, Derek Walcott and others that retell the classic mythology of The Odyssey and examine them side-by-side with the original, examining how this classic poem has transformed language over time.
This is a great class for anyone who want to get to know the classic text better through a contemporary lens! We’ll be reading excerpts from various translations of the original Odyssey (mostly the Lattimore, Fagles and Wilson translations) along with interpretations and retellings by modern and contemporary poets. We’ll think about ideas such as the many viewpoints on a character over time, the function of retelling in language and the relation between lyric and narrative beauty. Each class will include lecture, group discussion and workshop components.
The course will be taught by Hua Xi, who has previously taught writing and poetry at Stanford, MIT and Parsons.
Weekly Curriculum
- Week 1: The Odyssey and its Translations
- Week 2: Lyrical Beauty and The Odyssey
- Week 3: The Odyssey and the Self
- Week 4: Poems About Penelope
- Week 4: Home and Longing in The Odyssey
- Week 5: The Past in “Fragments”
- Week 6: Odyssey Experiments
- Week 7: The Odyssey Across Language
All class sessions will be interspersed with group discussion and workshop.
Enrollment Options
There are two enrollment options based on skill level or how casual/advanced of a course you want to take:
General: For participants of all writing levels, including casual, occasional readers who may not have taken any writing course before, or those who want a lower-commitment course. A much gentler introduction to the text and course themes. Sundays 3pm – 5pm ET / 12pm – 2pm PT
Experienced: For writers or for those who regularly engage with literature or poetry, or those who want a more in-depth study. A fast-paced curriculum that includes more advanced texts and more opportunities to workshop. Some outside time commitment (assigned readings) expected. Curriculum will feel college/graduate-level. Sundays 6pm – 8pm ET / 3pm – 5pm PT
Course Dates and Times (7-week writing workshop)
General Level: Sundays, August 16 – September 27, 3pm – 5pm ET / 12pm – 2pm PT
Experienced Level: Sundays, August 16 – September 27, 6pm – 8pm ET / 3pm – 5pm PT
Tuition
$735
Additional Course Logistics
The class will be held on Zoom. No additional supplies are required. All readings will be provided via PDF, though some may wish to print them out.
Spots in each class are first-come, first serve. The Experienced class is capped at 15. The General class is capped at 20.
If you are unable to attend a class, you may attend the other level’s session that week. Some make-up material can be provided.
Enroll
Please enroll in the course using the form below. When you click SUBMIT, you will be taken to a Stripe form to finalize payment and confirm your spot in the class. Class spots are first-come, first-serve and both classes are capped. For any technical issues or alternate payment methods, you can email me at flowers4xyz @ gmail
Enrollment Form