Course Description
Through a series of six lessons, we will hit upon the essential tools for creating a poem: imagery, metaphor, sound, rhythm, rhyme, and form. Each lesson expands upon the previous lesson to show the interconnectivity of these essential tools, but each one also looks at the tool in and of itself. In the process, we will look at how these tools are used in various poems, by means of definitions, explanations, and examples. The focus is not on poetic terms, but on processes; while designed for the beginning poet, the course would also be a good brush-up for intermediate and even advanced poets. Lesson by lesson, you will then apply these tools to poems of your own creation through assignments. So that we can all learn from each other, these original poems will be posted and "workshopped," meaning not only will you write poems, but you will comment on others' poems. Similarly, you will receive feedback from others on your own poems. Think of the workshop aspect as one of "constructive criticism," a means of creative revision, of growing as a poet.
Course Requirements
Complete each of the six lessons and corresponding assignments.
Complete all quizzes.
Participate in online discussions.
Post your original poems, and comment on or critique the poems of others.
Course Goals
To have a clear notion of how imagery, metaphor, sound, rhythm, rhyme, and form combine to create a poem.
To create original poems using the tools of poetry.
To appreciate the benefits of sharing your work in a workshop environment.
To become a better poet, as well as a better reader of poetry.
Reading Materials
I will provide poems online for us to look at, but a copy of "Vegetables and Other Relationships" (Plain View Press, 2000) would be helpful, as most of the poems we'll look at come from this book. Though available through amazon.com and other online bookstores, the quickest and cheapest way to get a copy is through my website: http://swig.tripod.com
Grading Policy
This is basically a pass/fail class. As long as you complete all lessons and their assignments, you pass with a "Certificate of Outstanding Achievement."
Timeframe
With time to write original poems, post them, and respond to posts, the course should take about three months to complete; however, if you take one week on each lesson and corresponding assignment, you could earn your "Certificate of Outstanding Achievement" in six weeks. I personally feel you'll get more out of the course by not racing through it.
