CPW505

Poetry Series for the Weekend Student

In this biweekly course, we will explore some of the major themes in poetry to set the stage for you to write original and well-crafted poems that engage the senses, emotions and intellect.

For each class, there will be a discussion of published poems, an examination of various poetic techniques and forms (including the use of voice, rhythm, figurative language, symbolism, line and stanza breaks, repetition and other structural devices), as well as short in-class writing exercises. Half of each class will be devoted to workshopping.

WORKSHOPS: Depending on the class size, the students may be divided into two groups for the afternoon workshopping. In this case, the afternoon session may be extended by 30 minutes and the groups will workshop bi-sessionally (every other session), meaning each group will workshop three times each.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Students who register at least one week prior to the course start date will have the opportunity to have their poetry workshopped in the first session. Please note: if there is a large class, students may have to wait until the second session to receive feedback on their work.

Overview

Location: Vancouver
Duration: 6 Saturdays
Tuition: $551.25

Upcoming Offerings

Start Date
Schedule
Location
Instructor
Cost
Seats Available
Action
Start DateSat, Sep 21, 2024
Schedule
  • Sat, Sep 21, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Sat, Oct 5, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Sat, Oct 19, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Sat, Nov 2, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Sat, Nov 16, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
  • Sat, Nov 30, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
LocationVancouver
Cost$551.25
Seats Available18
ActionRegister

What you will learn

During the course, we will discuss various poetic devices, techniques, forms and strategies, as well as how to send your work out for publication and how to give an effective public reading.

The class may cover some of the following themes:

  • war and peace
  • ends and beginnings
  • family
  • growing up
  • disappearances
  • love and loss
  • birds and beasts
  • vices
  • migrations
  • the natural world

How you will learn and be evaluated

  • Lectures
  • Class discussions
  • In-class exercises
  • Readings
  • Workshops

You will receive in-class feedback from the instructors and your classmates.

Learning Materials

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.

Recommended reading:

Braid, K. & Shreve, S. In Fine Form: A Contemporary Look at Canadian Form Poetry. Caitlin Press. ISBN-10: 1927575486, ISBN-13: 978-1987915020.

Oliver, Mary. A Poetry Handbook. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1994. ISBN: 9780156724005.