fandomhigh | Creative Writing: Poetry, Lesson One

Tuesday, January 10, 8th period

Just as he was yesterday ~~although none of you know that~~, Geoff is leaning against the front of his desk and waiting for his new students to arrive. Once everyone is assembled, he greets the class.

"Welcome to Creative Writing: Poetry. As you've probably already figured out by the fact that I'm standing up here and you're all sitting in chairs, I'm Professor Chaucer. First I want to tell you a few things about the class. There aren't very many of you, so I'd prefer it if you all sat near one another -- in fact, the seats can be moved into whatever configuration we all feel comfortable with, so there's no need for anyone to be stuck off alone in the back. Also, I want to point out the book closet behind me -- you can find all of the texts you need for the assigned readings there, plus some additional materials if you're interested. The books here on the bookcase are also available for reading, but I'd prefer you don't remove those from this wing of the school. My office is just off the classroom here, and I'll be holding office hours at least twice a week, possibly more if I get very bored.

"You can pick up a copy of the assigned readings and grading structure here on my desk as you leave today. Class discussions will pertain to those readings, and participation in the discussions is part of your grade, so please make certain you do the reading. As this is a class on writing poetry, there will also be frequent writing assignments, as well as an end-of-term assignment on which I'll go into more detail later.

All right, let's move on to today's class. There are three things I need you to do for me today.

1. Introduce yourself, and tell the class why you're taking Creative Writing.

2. Choose two people in the room and ask each of them a question. Any question, but let's keep things civil. I'm included in the category of 'people in the room'.

3. Hopefully you all saw my notice and brought a poem with you to class. If you didn't, take a minute to step up to the bookcase and find yourself one. I'd like each of you to read your poem aloud to the class, and then tell us why you chose that particular poem.

Once you've finished the above assignments, feel free to use the remainder of today's class period to begin your assigned reading for the next lesson."

Assignment for Next Week: Read the first ten poems in Petrarch's Canzoniere and Shakespeare's sonnets numbers 13, 18, 20, 35, 71, 75, 83, 89, 96, 130, and 137. Choose one sonnet by each author, and come prepared to discuss a comparison of them in class.

[OOC: A couple of important points. For people in other time zones and with RL concerns, you'll have until Saturday each week to make your comments for class. If you know ahead of time you won't be available for a class, just drop me a note in my voicemail and let me know. You're allowed one unexcused absence without penalty. After that, you'll get at F for that lesson unless you arrange with me for make-up work. I don't assign detention unless there's a real problem, so don't be afraid to come and see me about missed classes.]

Class Roster

oatmanspatient

teen_twin

12parseckessel

time_agent

kikidelivers(TA)

death_n_binky

sharon_valerii

future_visions
Auditing:

gotcanewillpoke (What? You tell him he can't.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Phoebe signs in.

"I'm Phoebe Halliwell. I'm taking creative writing because I love poetry and writing. Also, because, hello? It's Chaucer!"

Geoff laughs. "Welcome, Phoeobe, it's nice to have you in the class."

My name is Marty Blank and I'm taking this class ~~to make sure Geoff stops hitting on my girlfriend. ZOMG~~ because I need an English credit.

"Good to see you, Marty. That's an acceptable reason to take the class, but I have hopes you'll learn to enjoy the material ~~and why your girlfriend leaves me OMGDIRTY messages~~ as well."

"Hi, I'm Kiki Takayama, and I'm not only taking this class, I'm also TAing it," Kiki grins ~~totally not evilly~~. "Make sure you get your names on the attendance sign-in sheet, because I'll be picking it up at the end of every class and keeping a tally of what classes you've missed. Also," Kiki gestures at a table to the side, "there's coffee and decaf, and some croissants if you want snacks. Help yourself.

"And finally, I'm taking this class simply for the love of the ~~teacher~~ subject."

"Nice to have you back, Kiki. And thank you, by the way, for setting up the snacks ~~which the mun had already forgotten about despite discussing it just yesterday~~."

"You're welcome," Kiki smiles, sitting back down.

[*g* NP!]

Jack signs in.

He looks like not-slept-well hell. "I'm Jack Harkness ~~a complete moron~~ and I'm taking this class because I said I would take a class from ~~Uncle Geoff~~ Professor Chaucer."

"Welcome, Jack. It's good to have you here." Geoff grins. "Just remember, if you act up in class, your mother's office is right next to mine."

Jack groans. That's all he needs, another reason for CJ to be pissed at him.

For some reason, this reminds Geoff of something, and he looks at Jack again. "Oh, I nearly forgot. Jack, could you possibly stay after class for a few minutes. There's something I need to discuss with you."

[ooc: Post that he's staying after to talk down in the "Talk to the Professor" thread-thingy, if you please! :)]

Han signs the roll sheet.

"I'm Han Solo. I'm here because I need to learn to write something beside log entries ~~and poetry is a great way to be emo~~ and to see what Earth poetry looks like."

"Good to see you, Han! Welcome to poetry class. We'll be covering quite a variety of poets and forms this term, so you'll get a good sampling of, ah, 'Earth' poetry."

Signing in with her usual smile, Sharon said, "I'm Sharon Valerii, and this seemed like something interesting to do with my time." She made a beeline for the books, having not gotten the memo.

"Welcome to class, Sharon. I think you'll find it as interesting as you'd hoped." He smiles, seeing her head for the bookcase. "Take your time in choosing something -- pick a poem that speaks to you."

Connor clears his throat. "Connor MacManus. I want to write songs, and I thought poetry would be a good place to start."

"Welcome to class, Connor. And you're right, poetry is a very good place to start. In fact, we'll be covering two lessons on song this term."

"I look forward to that, then. And everything else." Connor smiles.

House doesn't introduce himself, but he does take a seat at the back of the room, much as he had in the Western Lit class the day before. He has a poem in his pocket, but he's not sure if he wants to jump in and read it out loud. The class is for the students, after all.

Geoff grins when House slips in to attend his second class this week, wondering if the doctor plans on being there for all of them. Walking past, he says teasingly, "Not going to introduce yourself to the rest of the class, Dr. House?"

House grins up at him. "Suppose you want me to read the poem I brought, too." he tapped his breast pocket. "Fine. Class, I'm Dr House. You can call me Greg." He stands, with cane in hand, and limps to the front of the room. "I'm joining you unofficially, to make sure the good poet here is actually teaching you something worthwhile."

Geoff rolls his eyes but grins. "Well, I am requiring all of my other students to read the poems they brought. I wouldn't want any of them to think you were somehow special."

"DEATH, I'm very pleased to have you back this term. I assure you that no one should be questioning your creativity, but I do hope this class helps you to put those nay-sayers in their place."

Creative Writing: Poetry, Lesson One

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