Write and perform for the class a spoken-word or slam poem.

A spoken-word poem, because performed live, should be written specifically with performance and venue in mind. That is, you want to create a piece which will work well in a large and possibly noisy environment, and which allows you to possibly move around and/or set up props or tech equipment. The content of the poem, likewise, should be appropriate for a piece which will require volume and attention to public mood and atmosphere.

Purpose: to practice writing your own poetry, to better understand the genres we’re studying through first-hand experience with the art, and to learn more about poetry generally.

Audience: anyone interested in good poetry generally, in the various genres and modes of poetry, and in the very old tradition of poetry spoken aloud.

Criteria: your poem should have lots of detail, fresh language, and vivid images. Avoid clichés, sentimentality, and predictable sentiments or rhymes. The poem's subject matter should be suited to public and possibly noisy environments. Its formal elements and effects (sound, rhythm, various forms of repetition) should, again, be audible in public venues. If you regard your work as a slam piece, you are free to invite audience interaction and rowdiness. When performing your poem for the class, you should project as well as modulate your voice, use body language and possible props, and recite from memory if you can.

Very Good = A= 5 pts.. Meets all of the stated criteria and instructions exceptionally well. Excels in inventiveness, originality, and energy, relative to work produced generally in 226. Well-edited and proofed. Possibly publishable.

Good =B = 4 pts. Meets all of the stated criteria and instructions, or meets several of them exceptionally well, despite a weak performance with others.. May be especially striking in spots, despite noticeable flaws. Very competent, but may lack originality or inventiveness, relative to work produced generally in 226. Good attention to style and mechanics. Clear attention to assignment.

Fair = C = 3 pts. Meets some of the stated criteria, or meets all of them only partially. Uninspired but minimally competent; or very inspired but lacking competence in key areas.. May show some inattention to, or misunderstanding of, instructions. Weak proofreading and editing.

Poor = D = 2 pts. Meets few of the criteria. May not not heed or understand instructions. May be sloppy, unproofed, unedited, and/or very perfunctory and uninspired.. An unsatisfying lyric, saved by at least minimal attention to at least one facet of the piece.

Unacceptable = F = less than 2 pts. Lyric either fails to meet any of the stated criteria, or demonstrates severe oversights or weaknesses in significant areas.