ONLINE: In this course, we will explore the breadth and depth of Wendell Berry's work, focusing on his poetry. As a poet, novelist, essayist, farmer and environmentalist, Berry has developed a distinctive voice. His work addresses themes such as planting, harvesting and humanity's relationship to nature and the earth. Students will be assigned reading of six to seven poems per week from Berry's book “New Collected Poems.” Through facilitated discussions, we will read these poems closely, gaining insight into Berry’s values, his criticism of materialism and his desire to live in harmony with his Kentucky farm and community. Participants will gain an understanding of Berry's life, philosophy and enduring commitment to living "at peace and in place." | Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 15.
Harry Brown holds degrees in English from Davidson College, Appalachian State University and Ohio University. After teaching for 43 years at Eastern Kentucky University, he returned to North Carolina and has taught/co-taught 16 literature courses for OLLI. He has published six poetry collections and co-edited an anthology of Kentucky writing.
Preston Martin received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and a Master of Arts in teaching from the College of Charleston. He retired from both business and education and has published poems in numerous journals and anthologies. He has been a student or instructor at OLLI for over a dozen years.