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Updated in [March 06th, 2023]

ModPo is a FREE, fast-paced introduction to modern and contemporary U.S. poetry, with an emphasis on experimental verse, from Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman to the present. Participants will learn how to read poems that are supposedly "difficult" and will be guided through poems, video discussions of each poem, and community discussions of each poem. The 10-week session will begin on September 3, 2022 and will conclude on November 14, 2022. ModPo also offers weekly, interactive live webcasts and office hours throughout the week. Participants can join the always-thriving ModPo Facebook group and can tweet all year long at @ModPoPenn. ModPo is hosted by the Kelly Writers House at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia USA. All ModPo'ers are welcome to visit the Writers House when they are in the area.

[Applications]
Participants of ModPo can apply the course by engaging in the 10-week syllabus, watching video discussions of each poem, participating in community discussions, attending weekly interactive live webcasts, and utilizing the office hours offered by the TAs. Additionally, they can join the ModPo Facebook group and follow @ModPoPenn on Twitter to stay up to date with the course. Finally, they can visit the Kelly Writers House at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia USA to experience the course in person.

[Career Paths]
Career paths recommended to learners of ModPo include:

1. Poetry Editor: Poetry editors are responsible for reviewing and selecting poems for publication in magazines, journals, and anthologies. They also provide feedback to poets on their work and help them to refine their writing. As the popularity of poetry continues to grow, the demand for experienced poetry editors is increasing.

2. Poetry Educator: Poetry educators are responsible for teaching poetry to students of all ages. They may work in schools, universities, or community centers, and they often lead workshops and seminars on poetry. As the demand for poetry education increases, the need for experienced poetry educators is growing.

3. Poetry Critic: Poetry critics are responsible for analyzing and evaluating poetry. They often write reviews of poetry collections and provide feedback to poets on their work. As the popularity of poetry continues to grow, the demand for experienced poetry critics is increasing.

4. Poetry Writer: Poetry writers are responsible for creating original works of poetry. They often write for magazines, journals, and anthologies, and they may also write for websites and blogs. As the popularity of poetry continues to grow, the demand for experienced poetry writers is increasing.

[Education Paths]
For learners interested in pursuing a degree related to Modern & Contemporary American Poetry, three recommended paths are:

1. Bachelor of Arts in English Literature: This degree program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history and development of English literature, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Students will gain an understanding of the major works of literature, as well as the cultural, political, and social contexts in which they were written. They will also learn about the various literary genres, including poetry, and will be able to analyze and interpret works of literature. This degree program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching, writing, or publishing.

2. Master of Arts in Creative Writing: This degree program provides students with the opportunity to develop their creative writing skills and explore the craft of writing in a variety of genres, including poetry. Students will learn about the fundamentals of writing, such as structure, style, and characterization, as well as the techniques used to create compelling stories and poems. They will also gain an understanding of the publishing industry and the process of submitting work for publication. This degree program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in writing or publishing.

3. Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature: This degree program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the history and development of English literature, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Students will gain an understanding of the major works of literature, as well as the cultural, political, and social contexts in which they were written. They will also learn about the various literary genres, including poetry, and will be able to analyze and interpret works of literature. This degree program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching, writing, or publishing, as well as for those interested in pursuing a career in academia.