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Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 9 hours
  • Course by California Institute of the Arts
  • Offered by

About

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. Though any of us may have the potential to make that happen, having an understanding of how several tools of poetic composition can be used (and audaciously “mis-used”) gives you more ways to try (and if we do this right, we might surprise ourselves most of all). We'll cover key poetic terms and devices by studying poems by a handful of modern and contemporary poets and then get a chance to try our own hand at writing new poem drafts from a select number of prompts. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to workshop your poem drafts and get feedback on your work, working towards a more polished poem.

Modules

Course Essentials

    • 3 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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3 Videos

  • Why Take This Course?
  • The Workshop Process
  • Workshopping in a MOOC, part 1

5 Readings

  • Syllabus
  • Instructor Presence and Staff Support
  • Workshopping in a MOOC, part 2
  • Academic Integrity
  • Course Resources

About the Poetic Line

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • The Starting Line
  • Rack ‘em Up: Gwendolyn Brooks' We Real Cool
  • We/Read Close. We/Take note.
  • Game Over

Review and Write

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • On the Line

1 Videos

  • Poetry Prompt 1: Line

1 Readings

  • Week 1 Summary

About Abstraction and Image

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • 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

Review and Write

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Abstraction & Image

1 Videos

  • Poetry Prompt 2: Abstraction & Image

1 Readings

  • Week 2 Summary

About Metaphor

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • It is What it Isn’t
  • Home Cooking: Victor Hernández Cruz's Red Beans
  • Lilies and Lava
  • After Dinner Meant

Review and Write

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Metaphor

1 Peer Review

  • First Workshop

1 Videos

  • Poetry Prompt 3: Metaphor

1 Readings

  • Week 3 Summary

About Rhyme

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • Read Any Good Snooks Lately?
  • There’s No “A” in Showdown: Cathy Park Hong's Ballad in A
  • Lipo-what?!
  • What That Was

Review and Write

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Rhyme

1 Videos

  • Poetry Prompt 4: Rhyme

1 Readings

  • Week 4 Summary

About Rhythm

    • 5 Videos
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5 Videos

  • 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

Review and Write

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Rhythm

1 Peer Review

  • Second Workshop

1 Videos

  • Poetry Prompt 5: Rhythm

1 Readings

  • Week 5 Summary

Introduction to Revision

    • 5 Videos
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5 Videos

  • 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 Strategies

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Final Workshop

5 Videos

  • Revision Recap
  • Give Yourself A Break
  • Furniture and Figures
  • Just in the Nick of Rhyme
  • Rhythm-a-Ning-a-Gain

Conclusions

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Final Thoughts

1 Readings

  • Course Credits

Auto Summary

"Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop" is an engaging and transformative course designed for those passionate about poetry and eager to refine their craft. This Arts & Humanities course emphasizes the power of revision and the creative potential that lies beyond the first draft. Led by an expert instructor from Coursera, participants will explore the tools and techniques of poetic composition through the study of modern and contemporary poets. The course offers a hands-on approach, encouraging learners to create and refine their own poem drafts with the help of specific prompts and valuable feedback from peers. Spanning 540 minutes, this foundational-level workshop is perfect for individuals looking to elevate their poetic expression and discover new ways to captivate and challenge their readers. Subscription options are available through Coursera's Starter plan, making this an accessible opportunity for aspiring poets to gain deeper insights into the art of poetry. Whether you're a novice or someone with some experience, this course will help you transform blank pages into vibrant, evocative works of art. Join now to unlock new dimensions in your poetic journey!

Douglas Kearney
Instructor

Douglas Kearney