Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Continuing Studies

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TWSA260

Poetry 2

What is outside the formal properties of the poem? More forms! As writers, we bring forms of attention, memory, imagination, and ideas to the crafting of our poetry.

In this intensive course, you will study how poetic language emerges between what you personally bring to your poetry and the traditional and radical histories of poetry as an artform. Combining big ideas with granular sensory details, this course will help you think about and play with your perceptions as you explore multiple ways to create and edit your work.

If you are comfortable with the fundamentals and are looking to push your poetry further, this course offers readings, discussions, writing exercises and a workshopping environment where you can experiment and dig deeper in a supportive community of other writers.

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

Campus Session(s) Starting Instructor(s) Cost Seats available  
Online - Thursday, Feb 24, 2022
Schedule details
  • Thu, Feb 24, ---
  • Thu, Mar 03, ---
  • Thu, Mar 10, ---
  • Thu, Mar 17, ---
  • Thu, Mar 24, ---
  • Thu, Mar 31, ---
  • Thu, Apr 07, ---
  • Thu, Apr 14, ---
  • Thu, Apr 21, ---
  • Thu, Apr 28, ---
 Kevin Spenst $628.95 25 Register

Schedule clarification: This course begins on the first date listed and ends six days after the last date listed. Between those times, you work at your own pace within the timelines set by the instructor.

Writing experience

To get the most out of this advanced course, you should have the following experience: 

  • completion of an introductory poetry course
  • familiarity with the workshopping process (both giving and receiving feedback)

What will you learn?

By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:

  • Employ personas, objects, dreams, memories and chance to push your poetry in new directions
  • Understand how politics, spirituality, critical theory, philosophy, and language play out in your writing, and how your own experiences affect your writing choices.
  • Discuss your own work in relation to its influences and inheritances and use this practice as a way to inspire and fine-tune your writing.
  • Give effective public readings.

How will you learn?

Each week you will:

  • Read the weekly module
  • Complete additional reading, as assigned
  • Complete a writing assignment
  • Participate in a discussion based on your reading (approximately 250 words)
  • Read and provide feedback on other learners’ work

Twice during the course you will:

  • Submit a piece of your own writing for feedback (up to 40 lines)

How will you be evaluated?

This course is graded using a competency-based grading scale. Read more here.

Learning materials

We encourage you to purchase these books from your local independent bookstore or the sources listed below.

Required textbooks:

Sol, Adam. How a Poem Moves. ECW Press, 2019. ISBN-10: 1770414568, ISBN 13: 978-1770414563.

Taylor, Rob, et al. Best Canadian Poetry 2019. Biblioasis, 2019. ISBN-10: 1771963301, ISBN 13: 978-1771963305.

Hardware and software requirements 

We deliver this course using SFU's online course management system, Canvas. You will receive course details and Canvas access instructions on the first day of the course. You can check if your browser is compatible with Canvas here.

New to online learning? See About Online Learning for helpful videos and additional information.

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