In a history course many decades ago we were taught that homesteaders used upside-down- sod like we use seed starting cubes.

you def can do it. search for 'sod walls' - that's a traditional way of construction on the plains in old days.
basically you need to lay the sod strips like bricks, overlapping the seams. and push them back to create the slope.
you can turn them upside down - the grass will compost in about a year.
you could also build a raised bed with sod walls and fill it. you can create a lasagna-style compost bed and have it ready next year.
british golf links were often constructed with sod-wall bunkers - can search for that, as as far as laying it,etc.
it needs to be very firm - you might need to level it between sev courses. and may be staple it with stakes in some places to prevent shifting.
you might be better off asking in permaculture forum and reading up on hugelkultur beds
http://tinyurl.com/l7kxe6k

here's quote from 'historic docs'

Plowed bricks 'prairie marble' were laid in masonry fashion grass side down, the first layer typically on undisturbed soil that had been cleared and leveled. Walls were commonly built two bricks wide with staggered joints and bond courses. Each course was leveled with soil. The use of lumber as a leveling device near midwall became a prominent part of the evolved technology.
Sod wall , sometimes calledÃÂ revetment bunkeringÃÂ construction, is a lot like making lasagna, where layer by layer ofÃÂ cut sod is stacked and pasted together. ...with the purpose of constructing aÃÂ wall of sod that can withstand the effects of water over time. Typically highly pitched or slanted areas wear dramatically during big storms , as anyone who worked around a golf course can attest to after a heavy rain.

Revetment isÃÂ French in origin,ÃÂ andÃÂ basically refers to a retaining wall made of earthen material , the rooting of the grass binds the wall , much like a tie rod might be used.ÃÂ