| Steve Wolfe- Abstracts |
Ryukoku University, Kyoto, Japan Department of Intercultural Communication #1 HAIKU EYES BEHIND THE LENSE: Combining Haiku and Photography Abstract: This workshop will focus on the creation of original haiku poems by pairing them with photos to maximize the combined effect of both media. Students will be shown unique photos and try to compose short poems that echo /reflect/enhance the subject of the photos. Students will share their poems, and class discussion will revolve around the creative process and the effectiveness of each poem. The objective of this lesson is to foster creativity by writing original poems, improve speaking skills by means of class discussion, and to hone terse writing skills via the short haiku form. #2 HAIKU WORKSHOP: Haiku as cultural Mirror Abstract: This Haiku Workshop will introduce the short genre of haiku poetry and then concentrate on writing these poems through various creative strategies. The emphasis will be on creating haiku that reflect the unique local culture of Kyrgyzstan while at the same time capturing the special moments that transcend culture and reflect a feeling or thought that is common to the human condition in general. In other words, to attempt the difficult task of catching the intersection between the special moment in the flow of time and the timeless. Good luck! #3 HAIKU WORKSHOP: Capturing those “WOW” moments Abstract: The Haiku Workshop will introduce the short genre of haiku poetry and then concentrate on writing these poems through various creative strategies. The participants will be encouraged to explore their creative side and express their innermost thoughts and feelings in this most concise and terse poetic medium. Examples of haiku written by American poets and translations of traditional Japanese haiku will be discussed and analyzed. Biographical Statement: Steve Wolfe, MA (Hunter College, City University of New York, Comparative Literature) Professor at the Faculty of Intercultural Communication, Ryukoku University. He has been involved for many years in writing and translating haiku and poetry and his research has focused on Japanese and Chinese Poetry and culture. He lived in Taiwan for five years and has been a journalist writing about Japan and China. In 2008 he walked the 88-temple pilgriamge of Shikoku, Japan in the spring and autumn and has written about it extensively. He has taught English and literature in New York, Nepal, Taiwan and Japan. |