Course Coordinator: Pawan Mogya

Class Time: M 10-12, W 8-9

Enrollment: 19

Responses: 5 (4 took course for major, 1 as elective)

Instructor: Puckpan Tipayamontri (group 3)

Requirements: tests (37.5%), final (50%), attendance, participation and assignments (12.5%)

Reading: Course Packet (4 short stories, literary terms review), a novel, handouts

Excellent 4.4 out of 5

(5 responses)

Student Review

*This part will be up after October 9, 2007.*

Faculty Review

Course Coordinator: Asst. Prof. Rongrat Dusdeesurapot

Class Time: T 12-2, Th 11-12

Enrollment: 15

Responses: 7.5 (7 took course for major, 1 as elective)

Instructor: Puckpan Tipayamontri (group 3)

Requirements: midterm (25%), final (35%), take-home assignments (25%), attendance, participation and homework (7.5%), final paper (7.5%)

Reading: Coursebook (includes 39 poems, 93 pp.), handouts

Excellent 4.71 out of 5

(7 responses)

Student Review

"Delicious" might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of poetry but for one student, "this course is really enjoyable (and delicious) but really hard!"  The Poetry Potluck at the end of class during final paper presentations may have something to do with that gustatory association, but most students do seem to agree that challenging their usual perceptions of things was part of the rewards of the course: "ไม่เคยเรียน POETRY มาก่อนในชีวิต  พอได้เรียนแล้วรู้สึกว่ามันมีอะไรมากมายมากกว่าแค่ กลอนภาษาอังกฤษ."  Seeing different "attitudes" and understanding "poets and their thoughts and culture" were cited as some of what they gained from their exposure to dozens of poems from sonnets to free verse by authors from anonymous 15th-century balladeers to 21st- century US poet laureate Billy Collins.  One student suggested that "there should be more modern poems," another complained of "too many poems," and another commented that "explications are sometimes not quite clear" in the otherwise very well done coursebook.

"Classroom atmosphere is very good," said one student, and many agree: "แทบไม่ได้โดดวิชานี้เลยแม้ว่าท่าทาง อ. จะไม่ได้เช็กชื่อก็ตาม เพราะรู้สึกว่ามันเป็นวิชาที่ต้องเข้าไป ติดตาม / ถกเถียงกันในห้อง พยายามทำการบ้านตามที่ อ. บอกมาก่อนทุกครั้ง."  A couple "want[ed] to have more hours to discuss the poems," "maybe 4 hrs./week."  Everyone applauded the various activities that helped make course material more accessible and exciting.  One student gave this example: "When we learnt the poem 'They,' the instructor gave us paper to draw our picture when we read this poem.  It's very fun."  For another, "Presentations were the assignment that I love because I could share my ideas openly and share ideas that everyone can't see."  One sophomore especially liked "writing my own poems because it took me to study more about poetry in terms of rhyme scheme and meter" as well as "a chance to express myself."  The Poetry "Jeopardy game," proclaimed another, " is the best game on earth yet."

Faculty Statement

English 242 is designed to introduce students to literary study in English and to poetry in English.  This includes research skills, close-reading, speaking and listening in a seminar setting, academic writing, critical and analytical thinking, making an argument, literary terms used in the study of poetry (ex. figures of speech, musical devices, forms and types of poetry).  Poems range from 15th century ballads to contemporary free verse.  Be prepared to work pretty hard.

Faculty Review

Course Coordinator: Asst. Prof. Supakarn Iamharit

Class Time: W 11-1, F 8-9

Enrollment: 23

Responses: 14 (9 took course for major, 5 as elective)

Instructor: Puckpan Tipayamontri (group 2)

Requirements: midterm (25%), final (40%), take-home assignments (20%), paraphrase homework (5%), final paper and presentation (10%)

Reading: Course Packet (includes about 40 poems)

Very Good 4.21 out of 5

(14 responses) 

Student Review

A requirement for English majors and frequent elective choice for minors, "Intro Poetry" is said to be "difficult" but "worth studying."

While one student said "the classroom atmosphere was not good enough.  It should be more fun," another said that "I have changed because in the past I'm shy to say or share ideas but now I'm not afraid anymore."  Others also found that "If there were no class discussions, I won't have any clue about the poems. A. Puckpan and friends help a lot."

Students admit the course is demanding but felt they gained analytical skills and a better understanding of poetry in English.  Others also cited improved thinking, reading and writing skills as well as knowledge about poets, poems, literary terms, and forms/types of poetry.  "The assignments were a bit too difficult, but challenging," another added.

A few respondents felt A. Puckpan, who taught the course for the first time last semester,  had too high standards and did not return assignments quickly enough, others found her "great" and "well-prepared."

Many students complained of "too many questions and insufficient time" during tests, so pace yourself well for exams!

The class webpage provided further sources, material, and detailed schedule for the course and students found it helped them study, though not everyone had internet access at home.

Overall, while many students felt they "suffered" through the course, they also found it "not only helps sharpen your critical skills but helps you grow spiritually as well" and eventually several produced some of their best work: "I'm so satisfied and so proud of our group paper."