Department of Language and Literature
2008 Artist-in-Residence

Benedictine’s Artist-in-Residence program is pleased to welcome Marc Kelly Smith, founder of the poetry slam movement, as our Artist-in-Residence for 2008!

While at Benedictine, Mr. Smith will be offering a course on slam poetry (LITR 291B) during the spring 2008 semester. Also, in conjunction with other performers, he will stage a March 2008 performance of “Sandburg to Smith,” an adaptation of Chicago poet Carl Sandburg’s poetry (venue: Krasa Center, 2nd level).

To learn more about LITR 291B (“Topics: Slam Poetry”), click here.

To learn more about Marc Kelly Smith, slam poetry, or places you can go to see slam poetry in Chicago, click here (opens in new browser).

 

 

›› LITR 291B | Slam Poetry (Smith)

This performance poetry workshop introduces students to the fundamentals of performing poetry professionally and effectively on stage in a public forum. By the end of the workshop, the shyest, most inexperienced student will have the confidence to read or recite poetry on stage to peers and strangers alike. Through writing exercises (some playful, some more introspective) students will begin to understand the close relationship between text and performance, and experience the joy writing and performing can bring.

Student preparation: Students should come to the class informed about the worldwide impact of the“grass roots” performing arts movement called the “Poetry Slam.” The best source for obtaining a complete overview of the slam world is Marc Kelly Smith’s book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Slam Poetry (published by Alpha/Penguin).

Participants should also bring three short poems (or excerpts of poems) to use in the initial workshop exercises. These could be their own work, favorite poems by other authors, or song lyrics. Of course, everyone should bring with them pen, paper, and an open enthusiastic heart.

Class meets January 15-March 4; 2 credit hours.