Confluence: Nature's Symmetry, Mathematics and Science in Poetry

Lottery entry opens January 9 and closes January 16. Regular registration opens January 15.
Dates: October 30 - November 13, 2024
Meets: W from 10:30 AM to 12 N
 Location: Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
Cost:  $30.00

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Date Day Time
10/30/2024Wednesday10:30 AM to 12 N
11/06/2024Wednesday10:30 AM to 12 N
11/13/2024Wednesday10:30 AM to 12 N

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2024-2025 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

Hidden within poetic forms are underlying mathematical and/or symmetrical structures found in nature. Examples include sestinas, the Fibonacci sequence and fractal poems. In addition, there are poems with themes informed by mathematics and science. A beautiful and funny example is Arithmetic by Carl Sandburg. We will discuss these forms and example poems with respect to their mathematical, scientific and natural symmetrical basis, and respond with our poems written during class and elsewhere.

Course Takeaways

  • A basic understanding of permutations and fractals and their importance in nature and poetry.
  • An appreciation of the subtle and not-so-subtle use of science in poems.
  • By considering a number of poems grounded in mathematics, science and nature, gain an appreciation of the challenge of writing them and their poignant results.
  • Writing poems inspired by mathematics, science and nature and the joy of sharing them with others.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Fee:  $30.00

Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church

2152 Graf St
Bozeman, MT 59718
View the location on a map.

Michael Smith

A retired chemist, Michael G. Smith has published over 230 poems and essays in literary journals worldwide. His books include a poetry volume, No Small Things, The Dippers Do Their Part, a collaboration of haibun and katagami with artist Laura Young, and Flip Flop, haiku co-created with Miriam Sagan. A Zen Buddhist, he volunteers with the Gallatin Watershed Council and at a Kathmandu, Nepal school.
Date Day Time Location
10/30/2024Wednesday10:30 AM to 12 N Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
11/06/2024Wednesday10:30 AM to 12 N Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
11/13/2024Wednesday10:30 AM to 12 N Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church