Whether you are homeschooled by a parent or enrolled in an academic program elsewhere in the mid-Hudson Valley or across the country, this course may be for you. Poetry Workshop: An Online Course for Secondary Students is designed for students in grades 8-12 with a passion for poetry who would like to participate in a creative, flexible and collaborative online community of like-minded young people. The next offering of this course will be spring 2012
Not only will students share their responses to various classical and contemporary works, they also will learn about poetic conventions, craft their own poems and, in the process, receive constructive feedback and, ultimately, see their work published. And the course will help students prepare for the English AP exam.
Read the frequently-asked questions and responses below for further details. If you have additional questions, please contact course instructor Trace Erdahl-Schillinger via email.
Online Poetry Course FAQs
Why offer this poetry course online?
A growing number of middle and high school students are taking online courses to either compliment traditional classroom learning or as a means to earn their high school diploma. Offering this course online provides an opportunity for students from all over the globe to participate in a quality class that may have not been accessible in their geography or time zone.
Are there any pre-requisites?
No. Just bring your enthusiasm for poetry, a desire to learn from others and your commitment to contribute your best work to this online endeavor.
Who is the instructor?
Poetry Workshop: An Online Course for Secondary Students will be led by Trace Erdahl-Schillinger an instructor of English in secondary schools for 20 years. She is a member of the PDS faculty, is known for her particular expertise in poetry and has supervised the publication of the school's award-winning magazine, Scarlet. Ms. Erdahl-Schillinger is a published poet and has written and presented nationally at numerous professional conferences about the teaching of poetry. A graduate of the University of Utah and New York University, she currently is a doctoral candidate in English education at Teachers College, Columbia University and her dissertation is on the teaching of poetry.
When will classes meet?
This will be an independent course, so there will be no live meetings or specific time commitments. There will be deadlines however, and students are expected to collaborate online.
How many hours should students expect to commit to the course per week?
Students will need to commit approximately 5 hours of time each week.
Will there be a test?
No, but students will be required to complete several assignments, and then submit a portfolio consisting of several works.
What online platform is used for this course?
The course will be offered through Wikispaces, an easy to use and internationally accessible tool that encourages collaboration and creativity. Course materials are readily available 24 hours a day 7 days a week, allowing students to work together and learn with complete flexibility.
How do I enroll?
Enrollment dates to be announced. The cost is $1,000/student and can be paid by credit card. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
Again, if you have any additional questions, please contact course instructor Trace Erdahl-Schillinger via email.