Aims

To develop an understanding of the basic elements of poetry and to develop reading and writing skills in poetry. To develop experience of redrafting and editing work in response to feedback.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module consists of a combination of lectures and seminars delivered weekly.

There will also be individual tutorials to be scheduled throughout the semester by teaching staff, at which each student may present a passage of their own writing for constructive criticism from their tutor, or submission plans may be discussed.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The weekly lecture introduces the students to formal questions about poetry, and sets tasks and exercises to help them write.

The weekly seminar workshops enable the general principles of the course to be applied through close reading, or set exercises, or in practical critique of individual pieces of writing, led by the tutor.

The individual tutorial is designed to help students prepare for their final submission.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students will submit ten to twelve poems, depending on length (14-40 lines is an acceptable average length). An essay of 1500 words will also be submitted. In this students should discuss their drafting process, and their principles of selection. They should also discuss any relevant information about genre, influences and themes explored in their work. It must include a bibliography of books read and events attended as part of this module.

The submission of creative work allows students to develop the range of skills and knowledge associated with the course. The accompanying essay enables to student reflect critically upon their own creative processes, and to relate these to contemporary literature.