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Back to Modern & Contemporary American Poetry (“ModPo”)

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Modern & Contemporary American Poetry (“ModPo”) by University of Pennsylvania

4.8
stars
608 ratings

About the Course

ModPo is a FREE (no fee, no charge) fast-paced introduction to modern and contemporary U.S. poetry, with an emphasis on experimental verse, from Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman to the present. Participants (who need no prior experience with poetry) will learn how to read poems that are supposedly "difficult." We encounter and discuss the poems one at a time. It's much easier than it seems! Join us and try it! ModPo is open all year, so you can enroll now, or any time, and join us. Each year we host a lively, interactive 10-week session, in which we move together through the ten-week syllabus. The next live 10-week session of ModPo will begin on September 1, 2024, and will conclude on November 11, 2024. Al Filreis will be in touch with you by email before the September 1 start of the course with all the information you'll need to participate. If you have questions, you can email the ModPo team any time at modpo@writing.upenn.edu. Much more information about ModPo can be found at modpo.org. During the 10 weeks of the course, you will be guided through poems, video discussions of each poem, and community discussions of each poem. And (unique among open online courses) we offer weekly, interactive live webcasts. Our famed TAs also offer office hours throughout the week. We help arrange meet-ups and in-site study groups. If you are curious about the ModPo team, type "ModPo YouTube introduction" into Google or your favorite search engine, and watch the 20-minute introductory video. You will get an overview of the course and will meet the brilliant TAs, who will be encountering the poems with you all the way to the end. If you use Facebook, join the always-thriving ModPo group: from inside Facebook, search for "Modern & Contemporary American Poetry" and then request to be added as a member. If you have any questions about ModPo, you can post a question to the FB group and you'll receive an almost instant reply. Much more information about ModPo can be found at modpo.org . We tweet all year long at @ModPoPenn and you can also find ModPo colleagues using the hashtag #ModPoLive. ModPo is hosted by—and is housed at—the Kelly Writers House at 3805 Locust Walk on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia USA. All ModPo'ers are welcome to visit the Writers House when they are in our area. Our discussions are filmed there. Our live webcasts take place in the famed "Arts Cafe" of the House. To find out what's going on at the Writers House any time, just dial 215-746-POEM....

Top reviews

MM

Nov 14, 2022

This was a wonderful course. I learned more about stylistic devices, close readings of poems, and was introduced to some very fine poet's!

JW

Dec 4, 2022

This is a great course. The course is very interactive with great discussions and unique insights.

John

John Wang, PhD CRE MBB

Filter by:

126 - 150 of 229 Reviews for Modern & Contemporary American Poetry (“ModPo”)

By Steven S

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Feb 16, 2021

Awesome class! I learned so much and never once felt talked down to. I recommend to anyone interested in learning.

By La T

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Mar 20, 2019

Oh, where to start??? The community!!! Thank you just for being there.

If you wander far enough

you will come to it

By Addison W

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Sep 22, 2024

This was so fun, it increased my love for poetry x3 and I absolutely learned a lot about the history of poetry!

By Jack B

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Oct 23, 2022

One of the best learning experience in my 76 years. Al is so great. I love the TAs. I am enjoying poetry more.

By KayCee K

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Nov 21, 2016

Any one who loves poetry or reading, as in what you think about the words your reading will enjoy this class!

By Niels M S

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May 29, 2017

Mind blowing and life-changing. Some of the best teaching I have ever received, in class or in the internet.

By Nishu R

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Dec 12, 2022

This course was very helpful for us. Everything was explained very briefly. I enjoyed learning. Thank You

By Shabab N K

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Nov 22, 2016

Simply the best course you will ever participate in. Online or in real.

Modpo is like a family to me now.

By Tia L

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May 17, 2022

For all those who enjoy a good poem, this is the perfect course to explore all those poets in the past.

By Lily

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May 6, 2021

Amazing, stimulating course! Well presented and thought provoking! Al and the TA's are the best!

By Yaron A

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Oct 24, 2016

Wonderful course! Very enlightening. It taught me a lot about reading poetry that I didn't know.

By linda k

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Aug 20, 2024

A fascinating introduction to contemporary poetry and a substantive introduction to modernism.

By The W R

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Nov 30, 2023

Fascinating course that has me popping in every year; much to learn and appreciate about poetry

By Jeeva M

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Feb 22, 2021

Its enrich the skill of analyzing the poem. Thank You Filreis for different interpretation.

By roya n

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Sep 13, 2020

this course gave me a whole new perspective on how to read and most importantly feel POETRY

By Christopher F

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Nov 27, 2016

In both its content and its pedagogy, this is the best MOOC I've taken. Highly recommended.

By Ahendrila G

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Sep 20, 2020

Best. Thing. Ever. Thank you for making me fall in love with poetry, in ten weeks time!

By Brian S

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Jan 30, 2020

This class was challenging, enriching and it was worth every moment that I put into it.

By Karen M

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Dec 6, 2020

Inspiring in every way. Opened up my brain cells and made me think again. SO grateful.

By Deleted A

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Nov 13, 2021

A really nice course. I really enjoyed the course. Very descriptive and informative.

By M. J G

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Aug 21, 2023

I love the yearly September start Modern & Contemporary American Poetry, aka ModPo

By dina h

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Nov 22, 2016

If there were more stars, I would have selected them. Highly recommend this course!

By Bin L

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Oct 10, 2017

Wonderful course. I love all the discussions and interpretations of modern poetry.

By Shwetha H

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Nov 4, 2021

A wonderful course. My love for poetry in English increased due to this course.

By Kathleen C

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Oct 11, 2020

Exceptional class, carefully crafted to give the learner an optimal experience.