Creative Writing Workshop: Poetry

Course Description

This intensive, poetry writing program offers a blend of small workshops, group writing sessions, and presentations by practicing writers, which will inspire students to experiment with new approaches and modes of creativity. Students will grow as a writer, hone their creative skills, and deepen their passion for the writer's craft.

Participants explore numerous creative strategies for writing poetry during this four-week, writing-intensive workshop. This course is ideal for students who have a serious interest in reading and writing poetry, who are not afraid to experiment with structure, and who want to develop a daily writing practice. Within the group writing sessions, students will have the opportunity to explore both poetry and fiction, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the poetry or fiction workshop.

Students write daily in large group sessions, in workshops, and for homework. These writing assignments provide useful skills, as well as multiple ways to explore the craft of writing poetry. The writing assignments are discussed in a workshop setting where students receive supportive feedback from their group leader and peers. In addition, students discuss and analyze poetry, exploring the techniques used by poets.

The workshop instructor meets individually with students to discuss their final project plans, which includes the writing of an extended piece of poetry (at least ten pages). Poets and fiction writers will come to Brown to give readings and discuss their work.

Following this course, students will receive a written evaluation of their performance based on the quality and range of their writing, the quality of their participation in workshop discussions, and the attitude they convey toward their colleagues, the Program faculty, and to the art of writing itself.

Prerequisites: This course is most appropriate for rising juniors and seniors. Rising sophomores are eligible, but must submit a one-page essay indicating why this writing workshop is of interest