Poetic moments
This course has now started
Course Code: HLT154
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
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What is the course about?
We will explore poems by a range of writers from the 19th century to the present day, looking at how they responded to the life of their time in highly original poetry. We will discuss how they achieved such memorable poems by looking at the various techniques they used.
What will we cover?
We will read and discuss poems by W H Auden, Elizabeth Bishop, Philip Larkin, Stevie Smith, Frank O’Hara, and Alice Oswald and Ocean Vuong.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
-Understand how these poets write about their time in memorable poetry
-Appreciate these poets’ power and originality
-Enjoy reading and discussing many fine poems.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is introductory but all levels of experience with studying and appreciating poetry are welcome.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The sessions are run in a seminar style with all students included in discussions led by the tutor. You will receive
copies of the poems the previous week so you can read them to be ready to discuss them. I will ask for volunteers to read each of the poems before we discuss it.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Poems will be provided by the tutor via email before the first session, with copies provided at the class. Each week
you will receive the poems for the following week so you can read them before the session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Have a look at all our poetry courses on the web under History, Culture and Writing/Literature/Poetry at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Laurie Smith has taught poetry writing and literature courses at the City Lit for some years, focussing on modernism and writers' radicalism. He researches and lectures at King's College London, helped to found Magma poetry magazine which he sometimes edits and has been a Trustee of the Poetry Society.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.