This literature and creative writing-based course considers the rich intersection of poetry, nonfiction, and hybrid creative writing called documentary poetry, which has blossomed over the past 20 years. Like documentary films, documentary poems make use of primary source materials such as interviews, news articles, diaries, letters, photographs, medical reports, and public records. The works we’ll consider “extend the document” by enriching our understanding of historical and current events – with context, with language, with performance, with design, with juxtaposition of other kinds of writing and visual material. The works are contemporary; subject matter spans the 18th through the 21st centuries. These works are designed to move your understanding of public events from knowledge of the facts, however complex, to an understanding of their emotional and philosophical implications and nuances. Public events include the everyday lives of individuals as well as sweeping social movements and injustices.
Course requirements include a final 10-page documentary poetry/hybrid project and an oral presentation of the work to the class. You will also keep a process journal to record the methods, reflections, and progress of your work on your documentary project, from preliminary idea stage to radical revision. Weekly exercises will develop both your critical writing and your creativity with language.
“Poetry can extend the document.”
—Muriel Rukeyser
During our seminar:
You’ll gain new perspectives on history: You’ll read about the drowning of 19th century enslaved Africans; a 21st century young Native American gay man’s complicated relationship with nature; the life of 18th century religious leader Ann Lee; a re-envisioning of Wall Street, and many other topics.
You’ll practice paying close attention to how poems work: We’ll collaborate in understanding the readings, taking everyone’s responses and reactions to make a tapestry of possibilities. We’ll also read poems aloud in class, observing the physical and emotional effects they have on you and noting how the poems achieve those effects. You’ll use this understanding in creating your own documentary works.
You’ll explore your creativity: In-class exercises will help you become comfortable with non-intentional writing, letting you access the wisdom of your unconscious mind. You’ll also practice contemporary modes such as erasure and collage and experiment with the use of visuals to add texture to your writing. Your experiences with generating fresh, affecting, vivid language will energize every type of writing you do throughout your time at Princeton.
Distribution Area: CD or LA
Other Requirements
Open to first year undergraduates only.
