Ways into poetry

What is the course about?

Do you want to learn how to write poetry? This supportive and engaging course will help you to find your feet. Practical writing exercises will teach you to experiment with a variety of styles and techniques, form and content will be explored through group discussion, and you will learn from examination and analysis of the work of published poets. A range of different topics will be explored each term.

What will we cover?

- Practical writing excercises will teach you to write in a variety of styles and forms.
- Group discussions will illuminate particular issues related to craft, including rhythm, tone and structure.
- Analysis of published poets will teach you how and why their work succeeds.
- Constructive feedback will encourage you to continue to write and improve your work.

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

- Create strong images when writing a poem
- Apply lineation and rhyme in your poetry
- Identify metaphor and simile, and use these devices in your own work
- Use ekphrasis as a way into writing a poem
- Write using at least two specific forms, such as the sonnet and haiku
- Edit your poems
- Read and write with an increased understanding of the key elements of a poem.

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

This is an introductory course. A good level of spoken and written English is needed. Beginners are very welcome in this class. Complete beginners who are unsure about studying alongside poets with a little experience in the craft might want to try one of our gentle pace courses first.

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

Tutor-led discussion, small-group discussion, participating in writing exercises in-class, workshop readings, tutor feedback and class discussion. There will be an optional homework exercise set each week.

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 a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.

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

City Lit has a range of poetry and creative writing courses on offer. After completing a term of 'Ways into poetry', you may wish to complete another term of the course with a different tutor to further develop your craft. Alternatively, you may wish to move on to our intermediate and advanced classes, including 'Developing your poetry' and 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 Bluesky.