Developing your poetry

What is the course about?

This intermediate course is the perfect follow-up to an introductory course such as 'Ways into poetry'. You'll have the opportunity to explore poetic technique in greater detail, to expand the range of your own poetic voice, and to give and use constructive criticism in a supportive workshop environment.

What will we cover?

- You will explore issues of craftsmanship and poetic content through close reading of published work.
- Writing exercises will encourage you to experiment with a variety of poetic forms and styles.
- Constructive criticism will pinpoint your individual strengths and weaknesses, and guide you as you edit and improve your own poetry.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Increase your understanding of poetic form .
- Write your own poems in fixed form and free verse.
- Improve the overall quality of your poetic output.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an intermediate course and is recommended for students who have completed a 'Ways into poetry' course. You should have some familiarity with contemporary poetry and the basics of poetic technique.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be a mixture of tutor-led talk, discussion, writing exercises and feedback on your writing, and an optional homework each week.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring paper and a pen. You'll be expected to provide copies of your poems for class feedback.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

When you feel ready to progress to a more advanced level, you may be interested in our 'Advanced poetry workshop'.

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.