The subject examines contemporary poetry and poetics and its applicability to writing practice through a comparative approach. The subject concentrates on a number of key texts by major contemporary poets and examines various works which may be seen to exemplify, modify, or challenge these poetics. Students will be required to reflect both creatively and analytically on their ongoing writing practice in the light of these texts. In the collaborative environment of workshops, students will be encouraged to experiment with a range of techniques and styles.