The Essential Poet’s Toolbox for Readers and Writers

Learn to recognise and appreciate the techniques that lie at the heart of modern English poetry.

Created by: Gwyneth Box
Poet, translator, copywriter, lifestyle journalist

What Will I Learn?

• You will gain a deeper understanding of the techniques used in contemporary English-language poetry.
• Creative writers will become better equipped to use these techniques effectively in their own writing.
• Understanding these tools and techniques will allow poets to judge their own writing more objectively.
• Readers will gain an appreciation of the tools available to the poet and the effects these create.
• Readers will be able to apply their new knowledge to better judge the technical success of the poems they read.

Requirements

• An interest in poetry and/or language.
• No previous academic study or qualifications are required.
• You should have at least an intermediate level of English, although the course has subtitles and much of the material is presented with accompanying on-screen motion graphics, which should make it easier to follow for non-native speakers.

Target audience

• Poets, especially novices.
• Readers of contemporary poetry.
• Creative writers who would like discover how poetic techniques can enrich their writing.
• Writers in other genres who would like to know more about poetry and perhaps expand their repertoire.
• Note: the course is non-technical and does not attempt to teach formal literary criticism. The sample sessions are typical of the style and format of the whole course.