Poetry in America: The Civil War and Its Aftermath

Course Overview

This module, the fifth installment of the multi-part Poetry in America series, explores the Poetry of the Civil War and its Aftermath. Participants will encounter such poets as Herman Melville, Julia Ward Howe, Walt Whitman, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Paul Laurence Dunbar, James Weldon Johnson, Francis Ellen Watkins Harper, Emma Lazarus and W.E.B DuBois. They will examine the language of patriotism, pride, justice, violence, loss, and memory inspired by the Nation’s greatest conflict. The course will also take participants to Boston’s Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Monument, and to Harvard’s Memorial Hall, two iconic sites of Civil War public memory.

Led by Harvard Professor Elisa New, the course will feature distinguished guests such as Harvard President Drew Faust, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and screenwriter Tony Kushner, Professor and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr., baritone Davone Tines, and Harvard Civil War scholar John Stauffer, among others. Participants will survey nearly 400 years of American poetry through video lectures, archival images and texts, expeditions to historic sites, interpretive seminars with large and small groups, interviews with poets and scholars, and conversations about poems with distinguished Americans.

HarvardX pursues the science of learning. By registering as an online learner in an HX course, participants will also participate in research about learning.

This course, Poetry in America: The Civil War and Its Aftermath, will provide participants with an in-depth exploration of the poetry of the Civil War and its aftermath. Through lectures, archival images and texts, expeditions to historic sites, and conversations with distinguished guests, participants will gain a greater understanding of the language of patriotism, pride, justice, violence, loss, and memory inspired by the Nation’s greatest conflict.

[Applications]
Those who have completed the Poetry in America: The Civil War and Its Aftermath course can apply their knowledge by exploring the literature of the nation further. They can also use the knowledge gained from the course to gain a better understanding of the language of patriotism, pride, justice, violence, loss, and memory inspired by the Civil War. Additionally, they can use the course to gain a better understanding of the iconic sites of Civil War public memory, such as the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Monument and Harvard’s Memorial Hall.

[Career Paths]
Recommended career paths for learners of this course include:

1. Poetry Educator: Poetry educators are responsible for teaching students about the history and craft of poetry. They may work in schools, universities, or other educational institutions, and may also offer private lessons. As the field of poetry continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for qualified educators.

2. Poetry Critic: Poetry critics are responsible for analyzing and evaluating poetry. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or other publications, or may be employed by universities or other institutions. Poetry critics must have a deep understanding of the history and craft of poetry, as well as the ability to write clearly and persuasively.

3. Poetry Editor: Poetry editors are responsible for selecting and editing poetry for publication. They may work for magazines, newspapers, or other publications, or may be employed by universities or other institutions. Poetry editors must have a deep understanding of the history and craft of poetry, as well as the ability to identify and nurture talent.

4. Poetry Writer: Poetry writers are responsible for creating original works of poetry. They may be employed by magazines, newspapers, or other publications, or may be self-employed. Poetry writers must have a deep understanding of the history and craft of poetry, as well as the ability to create compelling and original works.

[Education Paths]
Recommended degree paths:

1. Bachelor of Arts in English Literature: This degree program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history and development of English literature, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Students will gain an understanding of the major authors, genres, and movements in English literature, as well as the critical and analytical skills necessary to interpret and evaluate literature. This degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching, publishing, or writing.

2. Master of Arts in American Literature: This degree program provides students with an in-depth exploration of American literature from the colonial period to the present day. Students will gain an understanding of the major authors, genres, and movements in American literature, as well as the critical and analytical skills necessary to interpret and evaluate literature. This degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching, publishing, or writing.

3. Doctor of Philosophy in Poetry: This degree program provides students with an advanced understanding of the history and development of poetry, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Students will gain an understanding of the major authors, genres, and movements in poetry, as well as the critical and analytical skills necessary to interpret and evaluate poetry. This degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching, publishing, or writing.

4. Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: This degree program provides students with an in-depth exploration of the craft of creative writing, from the fundamentals of writing to the development of a portfolio of work. Students will gain an understanding of the major genres of creative writing, as well as the critical and analytical skills necessary to create and evaluate their own work. This degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in writing, publishing, or teaching.