Rypma to talk on the marriage of poetry & science

“Rocks in Our Heads: The Marriage of Poetry & Science”
Poetry Reading and Presentation by Judith A. Rypma

2:15-3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, in Room 3030 Brown

The list of poets who have forged links with precious stones, metals, and ores begins with the Gilgamesh epic and Ovid, and runs in an endless strand of gems through Spenser, Donne, Poe, Yeats, Tennyson, and into the era of contemporary poetry.
Poet and Children’s Literature Professor Judith Rypma will “mine” some of these metaphoric possibilities with a multi-visual presentation and reading focusing on the study of poetry that connects science to literature. In addition to sharing examples from poets as diverse as Spenser, Donne, Yeats, and Poe, Rypma will read her own work, including poems from two of her chapbooks—Mineral Treasures and Holy Rocks. Rypma will conclude by suggesting pedagogical approaches (for all grades) to enhance the study of poetry by engaging readers and writers with the earth sciences. Attendees are encouraged to bring some brief “research notes” on their favorite gem, mineral, or metal.