Course Summary
This course offers a unique approach to poetry writing that focuses on the use of everyday language and unconventional ideas.Key Learning Points
- Learn to write poetry using everyday language and unconventional ideas
- Get feedback on your writing from other learners in the course
- Explore the work of contemporary poets and gain inspiration for your own writing
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Ability to write poetry using everyday language and unconventional ideas
- Understanding of contemporary poetry
- Experience with giving and receiving feedback on poetry writing
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Interest in poetry and creative writing
- Basic understanding of language and grammar
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-Paced
Similar Courses
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Modern Poetry
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Billy Collins
- Rupi Kaur
Related Books
Description
Why just write poems when you can write better ones? This course is built on the notion that the most exciting writing begins after the first draft. It is specifically for folks who believe that writing poems just to express oneself is like using the Internet just for email. After all, poetry can change the way you and your readers think of the world and its inhabitants; it can break new ground for language; turn a blank sheet of paper into a teeming concert of voices and music.
Outline
- Introduction and the Poetic Line
- Why Take This Course?
- The Workshop Process
- Workshopping in a MOOC, part 1
- The Starting Line
- Rack ‘em Up: Gwendolyn Brooks' We Real Cool
- We/Read Close. We/Take note.
- Game Over
- Poetry Prompt 1: Line
- Syllabus
- Instructor Presence and Staff Support
- Workshopping in a MOOC, part 2
- Academic Integrity
- Course Resources
- Week 1 Summary
- On the Line
- Abstraction and Image
- What Does a Concept Smell Like?
- Beauty’s in the Eye of the Bewildered: Harryette Mullen's [if your complexion is a mess.]
- The Wonky Chocolate Factory
- Read in the Shade
- Poetry Prompt 2: Abstraction & Image
- Week 2 Summary
- Abstraction & Image
- Metaphor and Other Formulas of Difference
- It is What it Isn’t
- Home Cooking: Victor Hernández Cruz's Red Beans
- Lilies and Lava
- After Dinner Meant
- Poetry Prompt 3: Metaphor
- Week 3 Summary
- Metaphor
- Rhyme
- Read Any Good Snooks Lately?
- There’s No “A” in Showdown: Cathy Park Hong's Ballad in A
- Lipo-what?!
- What That Was
- Poetry Prompt 4: Rhyme
- Week 4 Summary
- Rhyme
- Rhythm
- Give the Drummer Some!
- Rock “The Bells”: Edgar Allan Poe's The Bells
- Put A Ring On It
- For Whom the Bell Falls
- Clap Clap Clap
- Poetry Prompt 5: Rhythm
- Week 5 Summary
- Rhythm
- Sharpened Poetry: Revision Strategies
- Introduction
- What is Revision?
- Where Do I Start Revising?
- How Do I Start Revising a Poem I’ve Written in Form?
- How do I Incorporate Workshop Feedback Into the Revision Process?
- Revision Recap
- Give Yourself A Break
- Furniture and Figures
- Just in the Nick of Rhyme
- Rhythm-a-Ning-a-Gain
- Final Thoughts
- Course Credits
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the beauty and power of poetry with Coursera's Poetry Workshop course. Students rave about the engaging lectures, insightful feedback, and creative assignments. One key aspect that many users appreciate is the opportunity to receive personalized feedback from instructors and peers.Pros from User Reviews
- Engaging lectures
- Insightful feedback
- Creative assignments
- Personalized feedback from instructors and peers
- Opportunity to develop writing skills
Cons from User Reviews
- Some assignments can be challenging
- Limited interaction with peers
- Not suitable for advanced poets
- Course structure may not be flexible enough for some
- Requires a significant time commitment
Douglas Kearney
4.8 Raiting
Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop
- 4.8
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Why just write poems when you can write better ones? This course is built on the notion that the most exciting writing begins after the first draft....
