Micropoetry: small poems, big ideas

What is the course about?

Want to learn all about the short form poems of Japanese origin? Or perhaps you fancy following in the footsteps of acclaimed Instapoets like Nikita Gill? Whatever your source of inspiration, this fun workshop will coach you in the most potent approches to expressing big ideas with small poems. Students will enjoy a range of innovative writing prompts and will have the opportunity to share and receive feedback on their poetry.

Students say: "I found new inspiration - thank you!"; "I learnt a lot in a short space of time"; "I enjoyed every minute and recommend to anyone who wants to learn about micropoetry in a friendly environment."

What will we cover?

- What is micropoetry?
- How can I express complicated ideas in a concise manner?
- Which language and structural techniques work best for micropoetry?

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

- Effectively analyse published micropoetry.
- Write your own micropoetry in a way that moves or inspires the reader.
- Sensitively critique the poetry of other participants.

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

This is a beginners course and no previous experience is necessary.

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

Analysis of published poems, writing exercises, group work, class discussion and formal, tutor-led instruction.

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?

Writing materials.

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

City Lit offer a range of poetry courses at a range of levels. Browse the writing section of our website to find the perfect course for you.

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.