ENGL 200

Our reading for this week discusses a number of different poetic forms, beginning with the basic distinction between closed poetic forms (poems using a set, pre-established pattern of rhythm and rhyme) and open poetic forms (poems that do not use a pre-established pattern of rhythm and rhyme).
Initial post:  For this assignment, use the poem that was assigned to you in this week’s quiz, and investigate its form using one or more of these elements of poetic form that you feel are particularly important in this poem (you do not need to discuss them all): 

rhyme
rhythm, meter, and cadence
repetition
diction and syntax
line breaks and stanza breaks

In your initial post, explain how the elements you focused on affect the way that the poem communicates its meaning to you. Make sure to focus your discussion on the specific elements of form present in the poem you chose. 
Please divide your posts into paragraphs for easier reading, and make sure to reference, paraphrase, or quote specific passages from the text to support and illustrate what you say. 
In your classmate responses, please do not merely compliment your classmate.  Instead, focus on content and add to the interpretation of the poem. 
Weekly Forum Post Requirements:
1. Make your initial post of 200-300 words by Thursday at Midnight.
2. Refer directly to the literature and include at least one direct quote from the readings in order to support and illustrate your points; there is a 15 point penalty for the omission.
3. Include citations (with page numbers) with your post and a works cited listing for  any work you quote from or make a direct reference to (using MLA formatting); there is a 5 pt penalty for the omission.
4. Make up to five replies to classmates of 100 words or more by the end of the week, Sunday, at Midnight.
*To earn a higher grade on each week’s discussion, students are expected to post more frequently. To sum up: making three posts to classmates will earn a grade of a C (75). Four posts will earn a B (85), and five earn an A (100). Again, please check the rubric for details on this.
During the week, read the messages posted by your instructor and classmates and join the discussion. Your instructor may ask questions, provide explanations, and include links to other resources. Remember, the Forums are our place for classroom discussion. 
Initial Post Due: Thursday, by 11:55 p.m., ET
Responses Due: Sunday, by 11:55 p.m., ET
 
Citations and Works Cited Listings
Always cite the author of a literary work (Dickinson, Whitman, Twain, for example); then include a works cited listing with the following elements (as many as apply) in this order:
    Author (last name, first name)
    Title of the reading
    Title of container (book, website, etc.)
    Other contributors (editors, for example)
    Name of publisher
    Publication date
    Location (city of publication)