Entry requirementsThe course aims to explore the structure, form, historical context, limitations and strengths of poetry writing; support students in drafting and editing poems; develop discrimination in terms of form and technique; encourage wide and critical reading in contemporary poetry.
Course descriptionThis course stimulates awareness of contemporary poetry and will help you produce a strong and varied portfolio of work. It contains an introduction to the history, art and techniques of poetry and it presents and discusses many poems to help you deepen your understanding of form, themes and technique. As well as writing new poems, you will increase your awareness of the formal requirements of the genre. You will boost your skills in researching, drafting and editing, in presenting your work and in responding to constructive criticism. We advise taking Writing 1: Starting to Write or Writing 1: Poetry before embarking on this course, but direct entry is possible for more experienced writers.
- A short history of British poetry
- Landscapes
- The natural world
- The urban scene
- Fantasy and the subconscious
- Politics and conflict.
Postal tuition
You are allocated a tutor and receive their details in your course pack. You work from the course materials and send regular assignments to your tutor. These are returned to you with comment and advice. The course fee includes tutor feedback on your set assignments, but you can purchase feedback and comment on additional pieces of work if you wish