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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."

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've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A-level Study Boost: Unseen Poetry and the Creative Process.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of figurative language. It includes essays on the history, theory, and use of figurative language in a variety of contexts.
Comprehensive history of music. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of music in different cultures, the different genres of music, and the different instruments used in music. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of music.
This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of rhetoric and composition, including a section on figurative language. It valuable resource for students and scholars alike.
This comprehensive handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview of the field of creativity research and is an essential resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Massive collection of poetry from all over the world. It is an essential resource for any serious student of poetry.
Lamott provides warm, witty, and insightful guidance on the writing process. The book is known for its encouraging tone and practical advice on tackling large projects by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts ('bird by bird'). It's excellent for overcoming writer's block and perfectionism.
This concise guide provides fundamental rules of usage and principles of composition essential for clear and effective writing. It's a foundational text often recommended for anyone beginning to develop their writing skills, serving as an excellent resource for building prerequisite knowledge. While not a comprehensive contemporary reference, its timeless advice makes it a valuable addition to any writer's library and is considered a classic in the field.
Focusing on the principles of nonfiction writing, this book offers practical advice on clarity, simplicity, and humanity. It is highly relevant for students and professionals alike who need to write clear and engaging prose. While first published decades ago, its principles remain highly applicable, making it a valuable resource for deepening understanding and a widely recognized classic.
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Considered a definitive guide to storytelling, this book delves into the fundamental principles of narrative structure and character development. While aimed at screenwriters, its insights are widely applicable to fiction writing in general. It's a comprehensive resource for understanding the mechanics of a compelling story.
A comprehensive textbook widely used in technical writing programs, this book covers the principles and practices of communication in technical fields. It is an essential reference tool for students and professionals in technical disciplines, providing in-depth knowledge on various forms of technical documentation. The most recent editions incorporate contemporary topics like the use of AI in technical communication.
Salesses critically examines traditional creative writing workshop models and advocates for a more inclusive and culturally aware approach to teaching and evaluating fiction. is highly relevant for contemporary discussions on craft, perspective, and the politics of writing. It's particularly valuable for those in academic writing programs or workshops.
This comprehensive guide covers the entire research process, from formulating a question to writing and revising the research paper. It is an invaluable resource for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels undertaking research projects. It provides a strong foundation for academic writing grounded in research.
Explores the relationship between music and emotion. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of research on music and emotion, the different theories of music and emotion, and the applications of music and emotion research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and empirical research on creativity.
A widely used textbook in creative writing programs, this book covers fundamental elements of fiction writing such as point of view, character, setting, and theme. It provides clear explanations and examples, making it suitable for students and those seeking a structured approach to learning fiction craft.
This multi-volume work provides a comprehensive overview of the history of literary criticism, from ancient Greece to the present day. It includes essays by leading scholars in the field and offers a valuable resource for students and researchers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of figurative language, covering its history, types, and functions. It valuable resource for students and scholars alike.
This anthology includes a number of essays on figurative language. It valuable resource for students and scholars who want to learn more about the topic.
Le Guin, a renowned fiction writer, provides practical lessons and exercises on the craft of writing, focusing on elements like sentence variation, point of view, and voice. It's a valuable guide for writers looking to refine their prose and develop a stronger command of narrative technique.
A concise and user-friendly handbook covering grammar, mechanics, research, and different writing situations. Its portability and clear explanations make it a popular reference tool for college students. It is often used as a supplementary resource or quick reference guide in various writing courses.
Truby presents a step-by-step approach to story structure and character transformation, drawing on analysis of various films and literary works. offers a detailed framework for understanding and building compelling narratives. It's a comprehensive guide for writers seeking a deep understanding of story mechanics.
Focuses on the specific challenges of writing about science effectively. It provides guidance on structuring scientific papers and proposals to maximize their impact and clarity. It is particularly valuable for science students and researchers.
Gornick explores the art of memoir and personal essay, focusing on the crucial distinction between the 'situation' (the events of the story) and the 'story' (the meaning derived from the events). is essential for anyone interested in writing creative nonfiction and understanding how to shape personal experience into compelling narrative.
A practical and encouraging guide specifically for poets, covering various aspects of writing poetry, including generating ideas, exploring form, and navigating the writing life. It includes exercises and provides a supportive approach to learning the craft.
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.
Written by a veteran copy editor, this book offers witty and practical advice on grammar, punctuation, and style. It's a useful reference tool for writers at all levels looking to polish their prose and avoid common errors. The tone is engaging and accessible, making it a popular choice for improving writing precision.
This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of creative writing, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. It offers a blend of instruction, examples, and exercises, making it suitable as a textbook for introductory to intermediate creative writing courses.
Focuses on writing in the digital age, providing practical advice for creating engaging online content. It's particularly relevant for professionals and anyone writing for the web, blogs, or social media. It offers contemporary insights and actionable tips for improving writing in a digital context.
This handbook provides guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers in accordance with MLA style, commonly used in the humanities. It crucial reference for high school and undergraduate students writing research papers in literature, language, and other humanities fields. It serves as a primary resource for academic writing conventions.
This guide provides practical advice on communicating scientific information effectively to various audiences. It is particularly relevant for science students, researchers, and professionals who need to share their work with both expert and non-expert readers. It addresses contemporary challenges in science communication.
Dillard reflects on the realities, challenges, and rewards of the writing life with poetic prose and sharp observations. is less of a how-to guide and more of a meditation on the dedication and perseverance required to be a writer. It's inspiring and provides a realistic view of the writing profession.
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.
This companion provides a comprehensive overview of the major theories and approaches in literary theory. It includes essays by leading scholars in the field and offers a valuable resource for students and researchers.
This companion provides a comprehensive overview of the major theories and approaches in literary theory. It includes essays by leading scholars in the field and offers a valuable resource for students and researchers.
Examines the use of figurative language in the Bible. It shows how figurative language can be used to communicate complex ideas and to create a vivid picture of the world.
This collection of writing exercises contributed by established poets provides practical prompts and inspiration for developing poetic craft. It's a hands-on resource for poets looking to experiment with different techniques and approaches to writing.
This volume of the Cambridge History of Literary Criticism includes a section on figurative language in classical rhetoric. It valuable resource for scholars who want to learn more about the history of figurative language.
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Explores the concept of flow, a state of intense focus and engagement that is often associated with creativity.

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