Ways into poetry: a gentle pace

What is the course about?

Poetry often comes from a very personal place and the process of writing and sharing it for the first time can seem daunting. This introductory short course enables students new to the genre to explore the core forms of poetry, the key language techniques you can use for effect and some structural basics which will help you convey your message to the reader.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

- Core poetic forms.
- Key approaches to structuring a poem.
- Key language techniques in poetry.

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
- Write using specific forms, such as the 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 course is for absolute beginners in the genre. Open to students who are trying poetry for the first time or who have never shared their work in a group setting before.

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

You will be taught through a mix of indivudal, pair and group work, tutor instruction, text analysis, in-class writing activities and supportive workshop. Between sessions homework may be set to aid students in developing a writing discipline.


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 pen and paper.

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

Once you've built your confidence on this introductory course, why not try Ways into poetry: an introduction or our term-long Ways into poetry course?

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.