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Updated in [March 06th, 2023]

This course, Poetry in America: Nature and Nation 1700-1850, is led by Harvard Professor Elisa New. It spans the poetry of America’s early years, directly before and after the creation of the Republic. Through video lectures, archival images and texts, expeditions to historic sites, interpretive seminars with large and small groups, interviews with poets and scholars, and conversations about poems with distinguished Americans, this course embarks on a journey through the literature of a nation. Distinguished guests, including President Bill Clinton, Elena Kagan, Henry Louis Gates, Eve Ensler, John McCain, Andrea Mitchell, Michael Pollan, Drew Faust, Tony Kushner, and Nas, among others, bring fresh perspectives to the study of American Poetry. Participants will examine the creation of a national identity through the lens of an emerging national literature, focusing on such poets as Phillis Wheatley, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Allan Poe, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, among others. Additionally, HarvardX pursues the science of learning and by registering as an online learner in this HX course, participants will also participate in research about learning.

[Applications]
Those who have completed the course Poetry in America: Nature and Nation 1700-1850 can apply their knowledge in a variety of ways. They can use the course material to explore the development of a national identity through the lens of an emerging national literature. They can also use the course to gain a deeper understanding of the works of Phillis Wheatley, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Allan Poe, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, among others. Additionally, they can use the course to gain insight into the perspectives of distinguished guests, such as President Bill Clinton, Elena Kagan, Henry Louis Gates, Eve Ensler, John McCain, Andrea Mitchell, Michael Pollan, Drew Faust, Tony Kushner, and Nas. Finally, they can use the course to participate in research about learning.

[Career Paths]
1. Poetry Educator: Poetry educators are responsible for teaching students about the history, structure, and meaning of poetry. They may work in schools, universities, or other educational institutions, and may also offer private lessons. As the demand for poetry education increases, so does the need for qualified educators.

2. Poetry Critic: Poetry critics are responsible for analyzing and evaluating poetry. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or other publications, or may be self-employed. As the popularity of poetry continues to grow, so does the need for qualified critics.

3. Poetry Editor: Poetry editors are responsible for editing and publishing poetry. They may work for publishing houses, magazines, or other publications, or may be self-employed. As the demand for poetry continues to increase, so does the need for qualified editors.

4. Poetry Writer: Poetry writers are responsible for creating original works of poetry. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or other publications, or may be self-employed. As the popularity of poetry continues to grow, so does the need for qualified writers.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor of Arts in English Literature: This degree path focuses on the study of literature, including poetry, from a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Students will gain an understanding of the development of literature in America, as well as the ways in which literature has shaped and been shaped by the nation's history. Developing trends in this field include the exploration of literature through digital media, the use of technology to analyze and interpret literature, and the study of literature in a global context.

2. Master of Arts in Creative Writing: This degree path focuses on the craft of writing, including the writing of poetry. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of writing, as well as the ways in which writing can be used to explore and express ideas. Developing trends in this field include the use of technology to create and share writing, the exploration of writing through digital media, and the study of writing in a global context.

3. Doctor of Philosophy in American Literature: This degree path focuses on the study of American literature, including poetry, from a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Students will gain an understanding of the development of literature in America, as well as the ways in which literature has shaped and been shaped by the nation's history. Developing trends in this field include the exploration of literature through digital media, the use of technology to analyze and interpret literature, and the study of literature in a global context.

4. Master of Fine Arts in Poetry: This degree path focuses on the craft of writing poetry. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of writing poetry, as well as the ways in which poetry can be used to explore and express ideas. Developing trends in this field include the use of technology to create and share poetry, the exploration of poetry through digital media, and the study of poetry in a global context.