Spring 2005

E 318L • Introduction to Creative Writing: Poetry

Course Description

COMPUTER-ASSISTED COURSE

During this workshop, created to assist both beginning and experienced writers, we will study the use of image, detail, and description in works by classmates and by poets from various time periods. One of the main goals of the class will be to help students attain a writer’s discipline through writing exercises and through reading, crafting, and revising poems. This course will approach the craft of writing poetry in a variety of different forms, including blank verse, rhyming stanzas, sestinas, pantoums, and, of course, free verse. We will focus on how to become better editors of our work and the work of our peers.

Grading Policy

Learning Record Online (peer review, forum discussion of readings, weekly writing exercises) [total: ~16 pp.] 40%
Craft analysis of a book or sequence of poems (3-5 pages) 20%
Peer analysis of a classmate’s final portfolio (2-3 pages) 10%
Final portfolio of 10 pages of poetry 30%

Texts

Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott
The Practice of Poetry: Writing Exercises from Poets Who Teach, Robin Behn
Course packet with additional poems and essays by practicing poets about craft

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