From Shakespearean sonnets to modern slam poetry, the rhythm and form of verse have shaped the way we express ideas, emotions, and identity. This course explores the evolution of poetic form and rhythm, tracing the journey from iambic pentameter to free verse, spoken word, and beyond. Students will analyze the mechanics of meter, rhyme, and lineation while also experimenting with their own poetic voices. Through close readings, creative exercises, and performance-based activities, we’ll uncover how poets past and present use rhythm to captivate, challenge, and inspire. 

Offered Spring 2026