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Rebecca Bullard, Yen Tu, Yinka Olaniyan, Alannah Moody, and Elliot Kim

Week 1 – Unseen Poetry Week 2 – The Creative Process Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for students studying A-level Englishliterature, language, history, and drama, and those looking tostudy English at university. It will also be of interest to anyone looking to develop their critical thinking about poetry and improve their skills in analysis and writing. This course will also be of interest to A-level teachers of thesame subjects looking for teaching resources and ideas to usewith their students in the classroom. You can use the hashtag #unseenpoet to talk about this course on social media.

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Week 1 – Unseen Poetry Week 2 – The Creative Process Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for students studying A-level Englishliterature, language, history, and drama, and those looking tostudy English at university. It will also be of interest to anyone looking to develop their critical thinking about poetry and improve their skills in analysis and writing. This course will also be of interest to A-level teachers of thesame subjects looking for teaching resources and ideas to usewith their students in the classroom. You can use the hashtag #unseenpoet to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Ways to read and analyse poetry
  • Introduction to the poem, Patagonia
  • Feelings: Exploring different feelings towards text
  • Patterns: Breaking the text down
  • Puzzles: Tone and figurative language
  • Analysing and understanding the creative process
  • Ways to start writing a poem
  • Shaping a poem
  • Create and share your own poem

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Reviews summary

A-level poetry: analysis & creative boost

According to the course design, learners can expect a targeted study boost aimed at A-level English students and those aspiring to university, focusing on unseen poetry analysis and the creative process. The curriculum is structured to enhance skills in reading and analyzing poetry, exploring figurative language, and practical guidance on writing and shaping poems. It also intends to be a valuable resource offering teaching ideas for A-level educators.
Provides valuable teaching insights and resources for A-level educators.
"As an A-level teacher, I'm hoping to find fresh teaching resources and ideas for my classroom use."
"I can see this course being a great asset for bringing new perspectives and techniques into my lessons."
"It seems like a good source for professional development related to effective poetry instruction."
Offers a clear, two-week structured approach to key poetry concepts.
"The two-week split into 'Unseen Poetry' and 'Creative Process' seems to offer a very clear and logical approach."
"I anticipate a systematic progression, moving from analysis fundamentals to the practical application of writing."
"The course content appears well-organized, ensuring a focused and manageable learning experience."
Integrates critical analysis of poetry with practical creative writing.
"I appreciate that it covers both understanding and dissecting poetry, as well as the practical steps of creative writing."
"It's exciting to see a course that balances critical thinking with how to start and shape my own poems."
"I believe this dual focus will make me a more well-rounded student of English and a better writer."
Specifically designed for A-level students and university entrants.
"As an A-level student, I expect this course to specifically target the skills needed for unseen poetry analysis and exams."
"I'm looking for a solid boost to prepare for studying English at university."
"It appears to be very helpful for my A-level English literature and language studies."
Likely most beneficial for learners with some prior A-level literary exposure.
"I'm wondering if some prior experience with A-level English literature concepts is expected for full benefit."
"This 'boost' might be less suitable for absolute beginners without any foundational literary background."
"I anticipate the course will build upon existing A-level understanding rather than starting from zero."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for A-level Study Boost: Unseen Poetry and the Creative Process. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete A-level Study Boost: Unseen Poetry and the Creative Process will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Offers a personal and passionate exploration of how to read and appreciate poetry. It is written by Edward Hirsch, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and critic, and is suitable for readers of all levels.
A good guide to the broader aspects of poetry analysis, this handbook focuses on how to analyze poetry with clarity and grace. It's written by a renowned poet, offering insights grounded in practice. is particularly useful for students and those seeking an enjoyable entry into understanding poetic techniques.
This massive anthology collects poetry from all over the world and throughout history. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in studying or teaching poetry, and is suitable for readers of all levels.
This collection of poems by Robert Frost great way to study the work of one of the most important American poets. It includes some of his most famous poems, such as "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and "The Road Not Taken."
This collection of poems by Emily Dickinson great way to study the work of one of the most important American poets. It includes some of her most famous poems, such as "Hope" and "Because I could not stop for Death."
This collection of poems by William Carlos Williams great way to study the work of one of the most important American poets. It includes some of his most famous poems, such as "The Red Wheelbarrow" and "The Dance."
This collection of poems by John Ashbery great way to study the work of one of the most important American poets. It includes some of his most famous poems, such as "The Skaters" and "Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror."
This collection of poems by Jorie Graham great way to study the work of one of the most important American poets. It includes some of her most famous poems, such as "The Dream of the Unified Field" and "Swarm."
This collection of poems by Louise Glück great way to study the work of one of the most important American poets. It includes some of her most famous poems, such as "The Triumph of Achilles" and "Ararat."
This collection of poems by Billy Collins great way to study the work of one of the most important American poets. It includes some of his most famous poems, such as "The Trouble with Poetry" and "Picnic, Lightning."
This collection of poems by Sharon Olds great way to study the work of one of the most important American poets. It includes some of her most famous poems, such as "The One Girl" and "The Well."
This collection of poems by Charles Baudelaire great way to study the work of one of the most important French poets. It includes some of his most famous poems, such as "Les Fleurs du Mal" and "Le Spleen de Paris."
This concise guide delves into the musicality of poetry, exploring elements like meter, rhyme, and alliteration. It's ideal for readers who want to understand how sound contributes to a poem's meaning and effect. adds valuable depth to the technical aspects of poetry analysis.
A comprehensive resource covering the history of poetry and various techniques used in contemporary works. is suitable for students and enthusiasts looking for a thorough understanding of poetry analysis. It can serve as a useful reference tool throughout one's studies.
Written by a highly respected critic, this book offers insightful close readings of various poems, demonstrating effective analytical approaches. It's valuable for those who want to see poetry analysis put into practice by an expert. is more suitable for readers with some foundational knowledge.
An essential reference tool for any literature student, this glossary provides clear and concise definitions of key literary terms, including those specific to poetry. While not solely focused on analysis, it provides the necessary vocabulary and conceptual framework. The latest editions reflect contemporary critical theories.
Another key work of New Criticism, this book offers detailed analyses of specific poems, illustrating the principles of close reading. It's a classic in the field and provides valuable examples of in-depth textual analysis.
Provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and appreciating poetry, covering topics such as form, meter, rhyme, and imagery. It is written by Ted Kooser, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, and is suitable for readers of all levels.

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