INTRODUCTION
Craft elements refer to the building blocks of fiction/poetry. They include things like plot,
character, point of view, imagery, rhyme, rhythm, meter, etc. Craft elements are the tools
that writers use to build works of fiction/poetry, just as other types of artists use paint,
clay, wood, metal, concrete, and even digital media to build creations for the sake of art,
communication, or business. Creators use the tools of their craft to guide their audiences
to focus on what's most important in their creations. So, as readers of fiction/poetry, it's
worthwhile to ask how authors construct their creative work, and why they make their
craft-related choices. And as creators ourselves, it's crucial to consider how we can/should
use the craft tools we have to construct our fiction/poetry.
In a previous modules, we learned about plot, character, and setting. Now let's look at
how poets use rhyme, rhythm, and meter.
WHAT TO DO
FIRST, read the "Rhyme, Rhythm, Meter" document. Then, read Roethke's poem, "My
Papa's Waltz," and listen to the audio version of Roethke reading this poem:
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Music in Poetry: Rhythm, Meter, and Rhyme Links to an external site.
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Theodore Roethke, My Papa's Waltz Links to an external site.
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Roethke reads "My Papa's Waltz" (Links to an external site.)Links to an external
site. (Youtube video, just audio)
SECOND, use the items above to understand how incredibly important this info is to
poetry--and also to fiction and even casual conversation!
Examples from everyday language: Rhythm and meter tell us what words/syllables to
stress.
A sign hanging outside an auto repair shop reads, "German Car
Specialists." German CARSpecialists means something very different than GERMAN Car
Specialists, doesn't it? After all, do we care what nationality our mechanics are?
A sign hanging outside a seafood restaurant reads, "All You Can Eat Shrimp!" ALL You
Can EAT SHRIMP means something very different than "All You can EAT, SHRIMP!"
The latter isn't going to draw a lot of customers, I think.
OPTIONAL EXTRA CREDIT: Post a message below that addresses ONE of the following
items (you're encouraged to respond to two or more of these items, of course):
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See if you can identify the rhythm and meter Roethke uses in his poem, and share
some thoughts on why he might have chosen this rhythm/meter. How does it impact
the subject of the poem? Why might this rhythm/meter be an appropriate choice for
this poem?
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Many readers believe this poem is about something negative--abuse, neglect, etc.
Other readers believe it's a happy, nostalgic memory. What do you think? And what
specific craft elements help you answer this question?
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For a fun creative challenge, post part or all of your response to Roethke's poem as
four lines of poetry or more. Use any type of rhyme/meter you choose. But do it right,
or we'll call you out on it :)
Forum Participation Guide
Although we are not meeting in a physical space, we are gathering in a virtual space—the
Discussions area on our Canvas site. Here, you will be expected to engage with your
classmates and with your instructor as actively as you would in a physical space.
Discussion Requirements and Grading
Please be aware of two things:
1. When you’re participating in the forums, always keep in mind the golden rule of
Netiquette: Remember the human. Respect and encourage diverse opinions and
points of view. Be open-minded. Be considerate. Be nice. Remember that the nonverbal cues you might have from someone in a physical environment do not always
exist in a virtual one. That means you’ll need to pay attention to how you “say”
whatever you say, because your classmates won’t be able to “read” your tone of
voice, facial expressions, etc. Please let me know if you ever have concerns about the
respectfulness of a post. Everyone should feel comfortable in our online environment,
and I will do my best to facilitate that. Please do your part, too.
2. Canvas tracks what posts you read, and I’m able to see that information
throughout the course. I use this information to check that all students are engaged with the
class, and to step in and help you along, if necessary. This tracking information can also help
me to determine your participation grade (details on that below).
Forum Post Requirements
You are required to post on the Discussion forums for our course and respond to your
classmates as directed. Specific instructions for each forum assignment will be posted in the
modules online, including deadlines (You can also see all deadlines on the course syllabus).
You will be required to post original messages, and responses to other students’ original
messages. Each post other than “Intros” is worth points toward your course grade. There
will be optional extra credit discussion opportunities, as well. Extra credit discussion posts
are usually worth 3 points each.
Unless otherwise noted, there is no minimum length requirement for a post. However,
given the criteria below, it is difficult to participate successfully in the course if you only
write one or two sentence responses unless the original prompt calls for such a brief response.
Your online interactions are essential to the success of this class for you and your classmates.
Your classmates depend on the work you do online. Therefore, please observe the following
guidelines:
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Original posts and responses to classmates should be written respectfully and
thoughtfully.
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When responding to a classmate’s post, push yourself to go deeper than “I
agree with you that…”. What can you ADD to what has already been said?
It’s fine to agree, but you want to take the conversation to the next level by
adding new or different thoughts, too. Or, you might as questions of your
classmate to see if you can come to an agreement about other elements in your
posts. Even if you aren’t 100% sure of the answers, the more you can invite
conversation and ponder the possibilities, the better!
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All posts should be written clearly; please proofread and revise posts before
submitting them
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All posts and responses should be read by all students.
Forum Participation Grading
Although I will read all students’ posts, I cannot comment on every individual post. I often
add a comment to your score, however, which will often contain advice or questions for you.
You do not have to respond to these comments, though you’re welcome to do so.
You are evaluated for your Forum Participation using the criteria below. I am always
willing to provide you with more detail regarding how to improve your posts—feel free to
ask me for help anytime.
Students will earn an “A” for their Forum participation if their posts generally:
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Demonstrate an extraordinary response to the original prompt or assignment; they
may be thought-provoking, raise a new question or topic in an insightful way
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Show an unusual level of depth of thought; they may draw from professional and
academic experiences, course readings, outside readings, and other materials
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Are clearly written with no writing errors or awkward sentences
Students will earn a “B” for their Forum participation if their posts generally:
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Demonstrate a strong response to the original prompt or assignment; they offer some
original thought or approach
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Show good depth of thought; they make connections between ideas or materials
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Are clearly written with few writing errors or awkward sentences
Students will earn a “C” for their Forum participation if their posts generally:
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Respond to the original prompt or assignment
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Show minimal depth of thought; they make few connections between ideas or
materials
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May contain some writing errors and awkward sentences that affect clarity
Students will earn a “D” for their Forum participation if their posts generally:
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Fail to respond adequately to the original prompt or assignment
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Do not show any depth of thought; they make no connections between ideas or
materials
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May contain significant writing errors and awkward sentences that affect clarity
Students will earn an “F” for their Forum participation if their posts generally:
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Fail to respond to the original prompt or assignment
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Are incomplete
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May contain significant writing errors and awkward sentences that affect clarity
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