Writing Poetry – WRIT 611

CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 02/01/2024

Course Description

A study of the techniques in producing publishable poetry and creating a variety of poetic forms.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The student will study the necessary techniques for crafting publishable poetry. In addition to creating original works of poetry, the student will also develop critical skills through analyzing contemporary poems and critiquing works by fellow students.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be 500-750 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 250-350 words. (CLO: A, B)

The prompts for each discussion include:

  • Aesthetics and Habits
  • Sound in Poetry
  • Lines
  • Form and Freedom
  • Imagery

Group Discussion: Formal Workshop

For this collaborative discussion, the instructor will assign the student a group. The student is required to create a thread comprised of a rough draft poetry packet of 3-5 poems, but no more than 5 pages total. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 3 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 300-500 words. (CLO: A, C, D, F)

Poetry Writing Assignments (5)

The student will complete poetry writing assignments in response to the provided prompts. The student will write in free verse as well as in received forms. Each poem must demonstrate careful attention to craft and language. (CLO: A, D, F)

The topics for the poetry writing assignments include:

  • Sound in Poetry
  • Lines
  • Form and Freedom 
  • Imagery
  • Revision

Aesthetics Statement Assignment

The student will write a paper of 750-1250 words that articulates his or her creative process, philosophy, and/or vision for his or her own poems. The paper must include at least 3 references, which may include the course textbooks and the Bible. (CLO: D, E)

Revised Poetry Portfolio Assignment

The student will submit a portfolio that combines all of his or her original poetry created for the poetry writing assignments and the formal workshop in both rough-draft and substantially revised versions. The portfolio will also include a revision narrative of 200-300 words that offers an explanation of the student’s revision process for the final version of the workshopped pieces. (CLO: C, D, F)