Beginning Poetry

Course Description:

• This is a first semester beginning creative writing – poetry class. We will focus on non-rhyming poems using free-verse style, poetic language and poetic images. You may also write prose poem form.

• This class will be lecture based and workshop format and will focus on contemporary poets and your work as you produce it during the semester. New work is expected, not something written in the past unless carefully edited. It is expected that punctuation and grammar be corrected before you hand in your typed work.
• If you are having trouble writing (you’re blocked), let me know.

Course Rationale/Structure:

• Editing is expected in this course with the goal that your writing improves as the semester progresses. Improvement in the quantity, quality, and maturity of your writing will prepare you for advancement in writing as an art and as a career.

• It is expected that you strengthen your editing skills and exhibit this in your end of semester portfolio.
• It is expected that you identify the appropriate form for your poetry.
• Required for all grade levels – 10-poem minimum of carefully edited work is required for the portfolio at the end of the semester.
• This is a writing intensive class.

• We may start class with a “mind clearing” writing exercise to bring the focus into the classroom. Bring a writing notebook to each class. I start class on time. If you are consistently late, this may not be the class for you. If you are late, please wait outside until we have finished the short writing exercise.

Instructor’s Course Objectives

Students exiting from this course should be able to:

• Correctly identify the basic forms of non-rhyming contemporary free verse poetry.
• Accurately identify poetry terms.
• Write 16 original non-rhyming contemporary poems of at least 3 stanzas.
• Understand the creative writing workshop and portfolio system.