Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - ENGL 372 E100

Creative Writing I: Poetry (4)

What Can Poems Do

Class Number: 3025

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units; or two 200-division English courses; or formal declaration in the creative writing minor and ENGL 272.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A seminar workshop in the theory and practice of creative writing with specific emphasis on poetry. This course may be repeated for credit when a different topic is taken.

COURSE DETAILS:

What Can Poems Do?

“The work of the writer is to widen the theatre of wonder”

—Ocean Vuong

In this course we will read and write poetry with an eye to expanding our understanding of the expressive and intellectual possibilities of the medium while honing our craft as poets. We will explore a variety of approaches and techniques, but our main goal will be finding and working from poetic models that speak to us as writers. To that end, in addition to writing and presenting their own original work in workshop, students will explore and present on poets and poetry they have found via sources provided by the instructor. Students will also be expected to attend and report back on at least one poetry reading during the course. All of this will help us understand what poems can do, and what we can do with poems.

The basis of the workshop is respectful and constructive peer feedback: think carefully about your fellow students’ poems, and in class, after a student has presented their poem for workshop, please be ready to offer your polite, respectful and helpful comments.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Here’s the thing—the big secret and spoiler: you can’t really teach the writing of poetry. What you, as a student, can do is read poetry and practice writing poetry—ideally with a group of supportive peers and with some guidance from an experienced writer (your instructor). This is what we will endeavour to do. We will also allow ourselves to approach the world and our lives as processes in need of creative engagement, reflection, and expression. It’s ok to imagine everything and anything as a possible poem. Really.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Poetry reading attendance and short (250 word) report 10%
  • Presentation on a poet's work 20%
  • Three workshop poems 30%
  • Final poetry portfolio 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Books of poetry for study, and on-line poetry sources, provided by the instructor.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.