Welcome to the Beat Generation
This class week-long, introductory class is taught during the year at various times in conjunction with College Week, Special Studies Units and as part of a professional development series for teachers called "Teachers As Writers."
This unit includes The Beat Tour of Denver, a half or full day of experiential learning around Denver.
Currently no dates have been set for the next class or tour. Please contact me if interested.
Course Texts:
Ann Charters (ed.), The Portable Beat Reader
Jack Kerouac, On the Road
Allen Ginsberg, Howl and Other Poems & Kaddish
Gary Snyder, Riprap & Cold Mountain Poems
Course Description
This class is an introduction to the poetry, fiction, and non-fiction of the writers from the Beat Generation. This course will involve writing and reading on a daily basis. An example of “best writing” and a PowerPoint presentation are requirements for this course.
Objectives
- To understand the political, social, and artistic climate during the time of the Beat Generation.
- To appreciate the continued interest in the Beat phenomenon forty years after the style became famous.
- To engage in and influence the ongoing critical debate about Beat ideas, Bohemianism, popular culture, and writing by being active creators of corroborating or competing texts.
Course Requirements
- Daily attendance
- Complete reading assignments/pony cards
- PowerPoint presentation or Broadside creation
- Example of “best writing”
Definitions
- “Best writing”= typed copy of the golden nuggets captured during the free write sessions. Minimum one-page, typed & double-spaced.
- PowerPoint= 10 slides, exploring one of the following topics: the Beat Generation, Atomic Bomb (& aftermath), an individual representative of the Beat Generation or the lasting influence of the Beats.
Schedule
Monday
- Introduction: “What is the Beat Generation?”
- Review syllabus
- Kerouac’s rules of writing
- Timed writing
- Homework: visit rememberit.org/30 minutes journal
Tuesday
- Share first free writing
- Poetry In Motion video
- King Crimson's Beat
- Timed Writing
- Homework: visit rememberit.org/30 minutes journal
Wednesday
- Share free writing
- ML: Ginsberg
- Video: Ginsberg & Howl
- Homework: find "Beat" poem
Thursday
- Project update
- Dylan/Ginsberg connection
- Listen to "Idiot Wind"
- Timed Writing
- Conferences/workshop
- Homework: visit rememberit.org/30 minutes journal
- Finalize “Best Writing” & PowerPoint/email Pernewein@denveracademy.org
Friday
- Post “Best Writing”/PowerPoint
- Share examples of “Best Writing”
- The Beat Tour of Denver