A free ten-week seminar for selected students in grades 10–12 meeting on Wednesdays from 4–6pm beginning on January 13 and ending March 17, 2010.
Participants in this seminar will read and discuss selected poems by British and American women poets from the mid-sixteenth century to the present, and will write poetry of their own. No experience in writing poetry is necessary. The seminar will also look at some poetry written by men about women in order to see more clearly how perspectives can differ.
All students in grades 10–12 in the DC metropolitan area are eligible for the program. Students with an interest in creative writing or gender studies are particularly encouraged to apply.
The Folger Shakespeare Library is eager to assemble a group of students genuinely interested in working with people from a wide variety of educational and cultural backgrounds in an atmosphere of mutual respect. There is no cost for the program, and all books and materials are provided free of charge. Additionally, participants will be invited to a variety of poetry readings at the Folger Shakespeare Library during the seminar.
Gigi Bradford , former NEA Director of Literature, leads the seminar.
January 13
Poetry About Women: The Male Tradition in the Renaissance with Petrarch, Edmund Spenser, William Shakespeare, John Donne
January 20
Early Women Writers of the Renaissance: Queen Elizabeth, Isabella Whitney & Aemilia Lanier
January 27
Women Writers of the 16th and 17th Century-Lady Mary Wroth, Katherine Philips & Mary Sidney Herbert.
February 3
A Royal Treat: Rare Books & Manuscripts from the Folger Shakespeare Library's Vault
February 10
Pioneers in a New World: The 17th Century to Early 19th Century in America with Anne Bradstreet, Phyllis Wheatley & Frances E.W. Harper
February 17
New Forms & New Ideas: The 19th Century in America & England with Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning & Edna St. Vincent Millay
February 24
Public & Private Bohemians: 20th Century in America with Elizabeth Bishop, Sylvia Plath & Adrienne Rich
March 3
Pioneers and Revolutionaries: Later 20th Century Voices with Gwendolyn Brooks, Sonia Sanchez & Lucille Clifton
March 10
Contemporary Sisters Speak Out: Rita Dove, Sharon Olds & Naomi Shihab Nye
March 17
Student Publication, Poetry Reading & Party
To Apply
Please complete the application form and recommendation form available for download in the column at right.
Application Deadline
November 27, 2009
For more information, contact
Folger Poetry at (202) 675-0374
