[frezbo]

hey there, congrats for starting so early. I wish I did!

Originally Posted by alex.leon

Do you have to keep referencing to poets who you've been influenced by?

Yes, you do need to refer to other poets, but not directly in the poems, if you don't want to. It's more that you've gained inspiration from other writers, or ideas for techniques that you have used. You'd mention them directly in your journal and in your assessments (proposal, viva voce and report) and reflection statement. It's just to make sure you are actually reading and researching the style, and altering your own style as you learn about poetry.

Originally Posted by alex.leon

And do you need to talk about your structure, and why the poem IS how it IS?

Yes! You'll have to get very used to this! After enduring hours of teachers interrogating me with the question "why did you do this?" I've found everything needs a reason in ext 2. You also have to justify everything you have done in all your assessments and Reflection Statement.

Originally Posted by alex.leon

For instance, if i wanted to write my poem in a stream of conciousness-esque way, would that be frowned upon as being less planned. I HATE STRUCTURE.

I wouldn't saystream-of-consciousness is less planned. I did a similar thing in mine - I have a stream-of-consciousness text, which is more a sort of 'prose-poem' and runs along parallel to the other poems. I called the Board about it, and they said as long as it can be "justified in terms of the conceptualisation of my Major Work, has developed from research and study of English, and do not radically compromise the ability of markers to recognise my Major Work as Poetry" it should be fine!

So, I wouldnt worry too much about what you do, as long as it's good. Your teacher/s should help you through it all.

Originally Posted by alex.leon

I'm a real arts nut, and i'm just wondering whether or not anyone had any difficulties with the creative limitations of the course? In my mind, the BOS is almost a professional at suppressing creative freedom.

Originally Posted by alex.leon

I think poetry is an expression, so why should we be limited on our expression?

Well you're right of course. Poetry is expression, and the BOS is infamous for being crap.
To be honest, I didn't find the limitations in ext 2 too bad though. They don't really say anything except a world limit. I mostly did whatever I wanted. The problem is that because poetry is so subjective, the marker easily might dislike what you've done. But that's a risk you have to take, with all arts, really. That's why it needs a solid concept behind it all.

Good luck with it all!!