n this class, we will examine contemporary poetry, that is, the poetry of our own time, defined for our purposes as poetry published within the past ten years. We will read a series of books by established and emerging poets, along with criticism of this work, looking for commonalities, points of divergence, and ways to map and understand the contemporary poetry landscape. Requirements will include a presentation, attendance at two poetry readings, and written responses to assigned reading. The final paper of the class will be a review essay discussing several books, including at least one that you choose independently to supplement the course reading list.