How to Craft a Poem

Express yourself through poetry.

In this course, we will explore the kaleidoscopic possibilities of what a poem can be. We will view the poet as an artisan who can craft any poem they wish—one that expresses what moves them, one that tells a story, one written in a rigorous, traditional form, or one that communicates their innermost thoughts.

Each week, we will meet online for an hour to learn and discuss poetry. Together, we will read works by contemporary poets, then break down the craft elements of each poem before applying these techniques to our own writing. Outside of class, I will assign a generative writing exercise. You’ll also get the chance to hear your classmates’ poems, as well as share your own. In this way, this is a course that centers the writing community.

By the end of this course, you will have experimented with a variety of modes, forms and approaches to writing poetry. This course is ideal for beginning poets who want to develop their appreciation of poetry, and try their hand at their first poems in a supportive environment. No prior experience is necessary, but do come prepared to discuss the readings, share your own writing, try new ways of writing, and provide feedback to your peers.

Learning & Writing Objectives

By the end of this course, we will have:

• A kaleidoscopic sense of what a poem can be and become acquainted with a variety of forms and modes used in contemporary poetry
• An understanding of how to approach poem-writing in various ways and an appreciation of the craft of writing
• A portfolio of several original poems and generative writing
• A “writer’s toolkit” or writing techniques that we can continue to apply to our writing
   

Zoom Schedule

How to Craft a Poem will meet every Wednesday at 8 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. Zoom sessions will be approximately 1 hour in length.

Weekly Syllabus: How to Craft a Poem

Join us for an exploration of the many tools and approaches to writing poetry today.

WEEK 1: STILL LIVES & LANDSCAPES: THE ART OF VIVID WRITING

In a visual arts class, the still life is often indispensable as it emphasizes the importance of observation. In the first week, we will read poems and, through writing exercises, learn to make pictures with words.

WEEK 2: STORYTELLING: BRINGING POETRY TO LIFE

In week 2, we will build on the skills we learned in week 1 by learning to animate pictures into moving images and, eventually, stories.

WEEK 3: PERSONA & VOICE: ESTABLISHING PRESENCE

This week, we switch from an image-based to a persona-based approach to poetry. We’ll talk about the ideas of “persona” and “voice” and play with ways to craft a voice-driven poem.

WEEK 4: MEDITATION & ARGUMENT: MODES OF BEING

Building on the concepts of persona and voice, this week we turn inwards. We’ll read poems working in the meditative and argumentative modes, talk about the variety of poetic modes there are in poetry, and discuss the concept of structure.

WEEK 5: FORM: THE ART OF SHAPING THOUGHT

In week 5, we’ll encounter a variety of forms, both traditional and contemporary. In this week’s writing exercise, we’ll rewrite a poem we’ve already written in a form of our choosing.

WEEK 6: RHYTHM AND SOUND: CRAFTING THE POETIC EXPERIENCE

This week, we turn from the language of craft to the language of experience. We will also explore the role of rhythm and sound in shaping the experience of poetry.

Why Take a Poetry Writing Course with Writers.com?

• We welcome writers of all backgrounds and experience levels, and we are here for one reason: to support you on your writing journey.
• Small groups keep our online writing classes lively and intimate.
• Work through your weekly written lectures, course materials, and writing assignments at your own pace.
• Share and discuss your work with classmates in a supportive class environment.
• Award-winning instructor Zining Mok will offer you direct, personal feedback and suggestions on every assignment you submit.

Start crafting your best poetry. Secure your seat now!

Student Comments