Poetry Writing

Have you always been curious about poetry, but not sure where to start or how to be consistent with your writing?

Learn to craft poems and develop your creative voice in this module that covers the process of poetry writing; from seeking inspiration to editing your work.

Through guided writing prompts, inspiration from contemporary poets and workshop feedback, you’ll be supported to push the boundaries of your creativity and hone your craft.

Whether you’re new to poetry or have been writing throughout your life, this module will equip you with the skills and confidence to build a body of work that speaks to your individual perspective and experiences of the world.

Syllabus content

• How and why do we write poetry?
• Poetic forms and devices
• Poetry and nature
• Poetry and memory
• Crafting and editing
• Defining your creative voice and practice
• Getting published

Learning and teaching

On completion of the module, a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of core aspects of the genre of poetry
• Demonstrate an awareness of the fundamental terminology and concepts of poetry writing
• Produce new pieces of poetry applying key concepts and tropes of the genre
• Respond constructively to peers’ writing and gain self-awareness regarding their own
• Recognise and engage with critical debates in relation to poetry writing

How the module will be delivered

The course will be delivered through six three-hour in -person meetings and one two-hour in-person meeting, with meetings once a week (20 contact hours).

These will include mini-lectures, peer discussions.

Classes will be delivered through lectures, writing time, feedback workshops and class discussion.

Skills that will be practised and developed

• The ability to engage in reflective and expressive tasks
• The ability to think reflectively and explore ideas around poetry writing
• The ability to produce a portfolio of creative written work, expanding on in-class exercises

Coursework and assessment

Type of assessment	% Contribution	Title	Duration	Approx. date of Assessment
Portfolio	100%	The basis of assessment will be a portfolio of poetry writing consisting of each student’s best work produced on this module (around 10 to 12 poems) accompanied by a reflective commentary (300-500 words).	n/a	Ongoing throughout the module. Submission shortly after end of the module

Reading suggestions

It is not compulsory to read any texts ahead of the course, but you may want to engage with the recommended reading list.

A wider recommended reading list of poetry collections will be provided closer to the start date:

• The Norton Anthology of Poetry – Margaret W. Ferguson, Mary Jo Salter, and Jon Stallworthy
• Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times - Neil Astley
• A Poetry Handbook - Mary Oliver
• The Craft: A Guide to Making Poetry Happen in the 21st Century - Rishi Dastidar
• Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing - Margaret Atwood
• 100 Poems to Save the Earth - Zoe Brigley and Kristian Evans
• 100 Queer Poems - Mary Jean Chan and Andrew McMillan
• Nature Matters: Vital Poems from the Global Majority - Mona Arshi

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.