Poetry: How to Read a Poem (FutureLearn)

Whether you’re a poetry fanatic or you’re eager to learn, you’ll learn tools for approaching the study of poetry, ways to express your appreciation of poetry, and ways to find new riches in your favourite poems.

This course will also give you guidance on developing your own poetic voice when writing verse.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introductions and Foundations

Week 2: Poetic Form

Week 3: Intertextuality

Week 4: Writing (about) Poetry

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Identify different poetic forms, techniques and genres

- Debate how poems create their effects, and describe how a given poem works in a way that is effective, accessible and compelling

- Engage with some key critical and theoretical arguments about poetry, intertextuality and literature

- Reflect on the social and cultural dynamics that inform poems and inspire and influence poets

- Develop an understanding of the place of contemporary poetry in a long poetic tradition

- Apply these insights to improve and develop your own critical and creative writing, if you wish to do so

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for poetry and literature lovers everywhere and anyone who wants to develop and expand their writing skills.

It is suitable for keen poetry readers as well as those just getting started on their journey.

The course will be especially useful for A-level (and equivalent) students who want to know what it’s like to study English at a university level.