Scholars who write about or analyze poetry read out loud usually do so in a subjective and impressionistic way. But UC Davis experts have empirically analyzed the complexities of these vocal performances, based on pitch patterns and speed, volume, pauses, repetition and other characteristics. Now researchers are analyzing the performances of 101 African American women poets.

In this episode of the UC Davis podcast Unfold, the researchers discuss why they embarked on the project and what they’ve discovered, and the hosts cue up some remarkable poetry.

In this episode: 

• Marit MacArthur, lecturer with the UC Davis University Writing Program and faculty affiliate with the Performance Studies Graduate Group
• Howard Rambsy, professor of literature, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 

In season 3, Unfold and hosts Amy Quinton and Kat Kerlin bring listeners stories of awe, wonder and discovery as they explore curiosity-driven research at UC Davis.

The award-winning podcast launches a new episode every Tuesday through Nov. 23.

Unfold is available free, on demand at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon’s TuneIn, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. It is produced by Cody Drabble. Original music for Unfold comes from UC Davis alumnus Damien Verrett and Curtis Jerome Haynes. Follow Unfold on Twitter at @Unfoldpodcast.