It was once widely believed that women and the female experience were incompatible with writing poetry.  But with second wave feminism in the 1960’s and 70’s, women’s voices emerged in poetry as well as in political movements. We examine how these poets “turned, twisted, and blasted open poetry’s forms, subjects, and institutions to make room for their experiences and their voices.” (Poetry Foundation)  The poems include considerations of female sexuality, authorship, motherhood and gender.  Join us as we explore an exciting array of women’s voices, including Muriel Rukeseyer, Denise Levertov, Marge Piercy, Sylvia Plath, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maxine Kumin, Diane Wakoski, Adrienne Rich, May Swenson, Sharon Olds, Margaret Atwood, Marie Ponsot, Audre Lorde, and others!  No experience with poetry is required; poems will be read and discussed during class, with all being encouraged to participate.