Many students find poetry intimidating, but contemporary poetry connects with readers on topics of interest and importance in the 21st century. US Poet Laureate and member of the Muscogee Creek Nation Joy Harjo wrote An American Sunrise to “open a dialogue with history.” As part of the various programs connected to EIU’s NEA Big Read grant, this presentation will highlight a handful of Harjo’s poems that can be incorporated into either English or history classes using a variety of techniques to interact with texts. The presentation will also look at Harjo’s “signature laureate project, ‘Living Nations, Living Words: A Map of First Peoples Poetry,’” which is a digital interactive map available through the Library of Congress, as well as share work by other Native American writers.
Each participant will receive a copy of An American Sunrise.
A catered dinner will be served.
