This is a 10 week poetry writing / reading course with a focus on 10 ‘Queer Icons’.
They will examine the contexts and themes of 10 Queer poets and the poetic techniques that make each poet ‘iconic’, through close readings, discussions, and writing exercises.
They will explore multiple associations with the word ‘icon’, from the symbolic and sacred, to fetishism and celebrity. They will look at each poet through a multitude of lenses and disciplines (music, visual art, performance, playwritng, film) as a way of demonstrating the impact and influence of their work throughout history.
The ambition of this course is to draw from the past in order to embed these queer icons in a future literary canon.
Week 1: Danez Smith
Week 2: Mary Jean Chan
Week 3: Sam Sax
Week 4: Jos Charles
Week 5: Natalie Diaz
Week 6: Joelle Taylor
Week 7: Andrew McMillan
Week 8: Editing Workshop
Week 9: C A Conrad
Week 10: Jericho Brown
Courses fees: Full fee £132/Concession fee £66