M.C. Bard: Hip-Hop and Shakespeare

What is poetry? Does hip-hop qualify as poetry? Do Shakespeare's monologues qualify as poetry? Class members grapple with these questions as they examine the poetic elements and themes presented in different texts. Groups of four study two monologues (included here) and hip-hop songs about the same subjects. They then craft and perform their own monologues for the class. At the conclusion of the exercise, individuals write about their new insights into poetry.