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Poetry Primer - Survey of Poetic Writing Styles and Projects

4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 485 ratings
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Trace Crawford

Course Overview:

This is a fun and practical creative writing course designed to get YOU excited about creating your own poetry.

Writing techniques, literary devices, and specialized skills will be covered to help you discover, perfect, and share your own unique writer's voice.

While review quizzes over major concepts are provided along the way, the true measure of progress will be in the authentic writing projects that you will complete as you progress toward your goal of becoming a successful and confident poet.

The Course Includes:

Read more

Course Overview:

This is a fun and practical creative writing course designed to get YOU excited about creating your own poetry.

Writing techniques, literary devices, and specialized skills will be covered to help you discover, perfect, and share your own unique writer's voice.

While review quizzes over major concepts are provided along the way, the true measure of progress will be in the authentic writing projects that you will complete as you progress toward your goal of becoming a successful and confident poet.

The Course Includes:

  • 47 video lectures organized into 11 easy to understand lessons/subject areas

    • Each lesson is broken down into multiple video lectures that include:

      • A quick writing assignment aligned with the day's goals

      • A lesson covering an area of course content

      • A practical application project to get you using your new skill

  • 8 online review quizzes presented throughout the course

    • Quizzes are designed to reinforce the major concepts discussed in the class

  • 50 graphics, notes, templates, assignments, or outside resources to further your knowledge base

    • Supplemental materials are provided for every lesson

  • Over 3 hours of video lessons

Course Goals:

Through taking this course, you will develop and perfect your personal writer's voice as you learn about:

  • The overall concept of poetry and how it has changed over time

  • The important literary terms that every poet needs to be able to understand and use

  • Various types of poetic meter and how they are used.

  • How to create a physical or digital portfolio of your poetry

  • Recording your poems for poetry podcasts

  • Projects which will allow you to create a minimum of 11 new original poems including:

    • "Where I’m From" Poem

    • Abstract Noun Poem

    • Using Another's Voice Poem

    • Narrative Poem

    • Satirical Poem

    • Traditional Poetic Forms of Japan

    • Odes

    • Sonnets

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • This is a fun and practical writing course designed to get you excited about creating your own poems in a variety of styles!
  • The various poetic styles, writing concepts and terminology you need to write amazing poetry.
  • A series of authentic writing projects designed to target the skills you need.
  • Writing techniques, literary devices, and specialized skills.
  • How to become a successful and confident writer!
  • How to discover, perfect, and share your own writer's voice.

Syllabus

Introduction

Before we get cracking, here are a few reminders about how Udemy in general and this course will work.

Read more

Introduction, Your Writer's Journal

2. How to write in a Writer's Journal

- Written list of all Writer’s Journal Prompts used throughout the course

Writing Journal Prompt, Overview of the Poetry Unit, Creating the Poetry Portfolio, Concepts of Poetry, Where I'm From Poem

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Thinking Visually and in Dialogue, Creating a Visual Story, Writing Your Comic

1.5 The importance of writing EVERY SINGLE DAY

Writing Journal Prompt, Overview of the Poetry Course, Creating the Poetry Portfolio, Concepts of Poetry, Where I'm From Poem

2. Overview of the Poetry Course

Writing Journal Prompt, Overview of the Poetry Unit, Creating the Poetry Portfolio, Concepts of Poetry, Where I'm From Poem

- Creating Your Poetry Portfolio

Writing Journal Prompt, Overview of the Poetry Unit, Creating the Poetry Portfolio, Concepts of Poetry, Where I'm From Poem

3. What is Poetry

- Evolution Over Time

Writing Journal Prompt, Overview of the Poetry Unit, Creating the Poetry Portfolio, Concepts of Poetry, Where I'm From Poem

4. The "Where I'm From" Poem

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, The Abstract Noun Poem

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, The Abstract Noun Poem

2. Select Important Poetry Terms

- Assonance

- Consonance

- Alliteration

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, The Abstract Noun Poem

3. The Abstract Noun Poem

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Using Another's Voice Poem

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Using Another's Voice Poem

2. Select Important Poetry Terms

- Foot

- Stress

- Meter

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Using Another's Voice Poem

3. Writing in Another's Voice Poem

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Narrative Poem

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Narrative Poem

2. Select Important Poetry Terms

- Onomatopoeia

- Personification

- Metaphor

- Conceit

- Paradox

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Narrative Poem

3. Narrative Poem

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Satire Poem

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Satire Poem

2. Select Important Poetry Terms

- Euphony

- Cacophony

- Satire

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Satire Poem

3. Satire Poem

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Writing an Ode

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Writing an Ode

2. Select Important Poetry Terms

- Couplet

- Elegy

- Haiku

Writing Journal Prompt, Select Important Poetry Terms, Writing an Ode

3. Writing an Ode

Writing Journal Prompt, Traditional Poetic Forms of Japan, Writing the Haiku and Tanka

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Traditional Poetic Forms of Japan, Writing the Haiku and Tanka

2. The Traditional Poetic Forms of Japan

- Haiku

- Tanka

Writing Journal Prompt, Traditional Poetic Forms of Japan, Writing the Haiku and Tanka

3. Writing Your Haiku and Tanka

Writing Journal, Identifying and Notating Rhyme Scheme, Writing the English/Shakespearian Sonnet

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal, Identifying and Notating Rhyme Scheme, Writing the English/Shakespearian Sonnet

2. Identifying and Notating Rhyme Scheme

3. How to Write a Shakespearian Style Sonnet

- Rhyme Scheme

- Line Structure

- Iambic Pentameter

- Subject Matter

Writing Journal, Identifying and Notating Rhyme Scheme, Writing the English/Shakespearian Sonnet

4. Practice Activity

Writing Journal Prompt, Review of English Sonnets, A Modern Adaptation, Writing Your Sonnet

1.Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Review of English Sonnets, A Modern Adaptation, Writing Your Sonnet

2. Review of Sonnet Rules and Form

3. A Modern Adaptation of the Sonnet

- "I'm a Believer" (Yes, it's THAT "I'm a Believer")

Writing Journal Prompt, Review of English Sonnets, A Modern Adaptation, Writing Your Sonnet

4. Writing Your Own Sonnets

Writing Journal Prompt, Review of the Poetry Portfolio, Creating Your Portfolio

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Review of the Poetry Portfolio, Creating Your Portfolio

2. Review of the Poetry Portfolio

Writing Journal Prompt, Review of the Poetry Portfolio, Creating Your Portfolio

3. Creating Your Own Portfolio

Writing Journal Prompt, Spoken Word Poetry, 11 Poetry Podcasts, Working with Audacity, Resources for Your Rhymes, Record Your Poetry!

1. Writer's Journal

Writing Journal Prompt, Spoken Word Poetry, 11 Poetry Podcasts, Working with Audacity, Resources for Your Rhymes, Record Your Poetry!

2. Publishing Poetry by Speaking

Writing Journal Prompt, Spoken Word Poetry, 11 Poetry Podcasts, Working with Audacity, Resources for Your Rhymes, Record Your Poetry!

3. 11 Poetry Podcasts

- Compiled by Book Riot

Writing Journal Prompt, Spoken Word Poetry, 11 Poetry Podcasts, Working with Audacity, Resources for Your Rhymes, Record Your Poetry!

4. The Best Place to Start Recording

- Audacity

Writing Journal Prompt, Spoken Word Poetry, 11 Poetry Podcasts, Working with Audacity, Resources for Your Rhymes, Record Your Poetry!

5. Resources for Your Rhymes

- From an Online Rhyming Dictionary to Places to Submit Your Work

6. Record Your Poems!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides hands-on experience in crafting various poetic forms, such as sonnets, odes, and haikus, which allows learners to explore different styles and techniques
Includes instruction on recording poems for podcasts, which introduces learners to the world of spoken word poetry and provides a platform for sharing their work
Explores literary devices and terminology, such as assonance, consonance, alliteration, euphony, and cacophony, which are essential for understanding and analyzing poetry
Requires learners to use Audacity, which may require some learners to familiarize themselves with audio editing software and its features
Develops a writer's journal, which encourages consistent writing practice and self-reflection, fostering personal growth and development as a poet

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Reviews summary

Practical and inspiring poetry primer

According to learners, this Poetry Primer course is a largely positive introduction for those new to writing poetry. Students found the video lectures and supplemental materials helpful in explaining key concepts and literary devices. A major highlight mentioned by many is the focus on practical application projects, allowing learners to immediately start writing their own poems in various styles like sonnets, haiku, and odes. While many appreciate the clear and accessible approach, some more experienced writers noted it might be too basic if you already have a foundation in poetry. Overall, it's seen as a solid starting point for discovering and developing your unique writer's voice.
Covers different forms and literary devices
"I loved learning about different forms like haiku, sonnets, and odes and getting to try them."
"Provides a good overview of various poetic terms and techniques I needed to know."
"Introduced me to styles I hadn't considered trying before, expanding my writing horizons."
Accessible and clear for newcomers to poetry
"As a complete beginner to poetry, I found this course incredibly easy to follow and understand."
"The instructor explains concepts clearly without being intimidating for a new writer."
"This is a perfect starting point for someone wanting to try their hand at writing poetry."
Course emphasizes hands-on writing practice
"The emphasis on actually writing poems, not just theory, was great and helped me apply what I learned."
"Loved the hands-on projects for each poetic style; it made the concepts stick."
"I finished the course with 11 new poems that I feel confident about sharing!"
May be too introductory for non-beginners
"If you've written poetry before or taken other workshops, much of this course will feel like review."
"I wish there was more exploration of advanced concepts or deeper feedback on the writing exercises."
"Good for foundation, but not enough depth if you're past the absolute beginner stage."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Poetry Primer - Survey of Poetic Writing Styles and Projects with these activities:
Reading 'The Poet's Companion'
Familiarize yourself with diverse poetic forms and techniques to enhance your understanding of the course material.
View The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Poet's Companion'.
  • Read the chapters related to poetic forms covered in the course.
  • Complete the writing exercises provided in the book.
Review Literary Terms
Strengthen your understanding of essential literary terms to better analyze and appreciate poetry.
Show steps
  • Create a list of common literary terms.
  • Define each term and provide examples.
  • Review the list regularly.
Create a Poetry Blog
Showcase your poetry and engage with other poets to receive feedback and improve your writing.
Show steps
  • Choose a platform for your blog.
  • Design the layout and theme of your blog.
  • Publish your poems and solicit feedback.
  • Engage with other poets' blogs.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Record Poetry Readings
Practice your delivery and share your work with a wider audience, improving your confidence and performance skills.
Show steps
  • Select poems to record.
  • Practice reading the poems aloud.
  • Record your readings using a microphone.
  • Edit and share your recordings online.
Explore 'A Poetry Handbook'
Deepen your understanding of poetic techniques and forms by studying a renowned poet's perspective.
View A Poetry Handbook on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'A Poetry Handbook'.
  • Read the chapters on meter, rhyme, and form.
  • Analyze poems using the techniques described in the book.
Compile a Poetry Anthology
Curate a collection of poems that resonate with you, expanding your knowledge of different styles and voices.
Show steps
  • Research and select poems from various sources.
  • Organize the poems into thematic sections.
  • Write an introduction explaining your selection criteria.
  • Share your anthology with others.
Participate in a Poetry Workshop
Receive constructive criticism and learn from other poets in a supportive environment.
Show steps
  • Find a local poetry workshop or online group.
  • Prepare to share your poems and provide feedback.
  • Actively participate in the workshop discussions.

Career center

Learners who complete Poetry Primer - Survey of Poetic Writing Styles and Projects will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Poet
The role of a Poet involves creating original written works, exploring themes, emotions, and experiences through language. Poets craft verses using rhythm, rhyme, and other literary devices to evoke feelings and convey meaning. This course helps build a foundation in poetic writing styles. Because the course explores various poetic forms like odes, sonnets, and haikus, you gain a broad understanding of poetic expression. The course emphasizes developing a personal writer's voice, empowering you to express your unique perspective as a Poet.
See salaries and explore the career path for Poet
Author
The duties of an Author involve writing books, articles, or other literary works. Authors craft narratives, develop characters, and explore themes through their writing. This course can help you refine your creative writing skills. Because the course explores different poetic styles and literary devices, you will gain a broader understanding of writing. The course's emphasis on developing a personal writer's voice is invaluable for any Author.
See salaries and explore the career path for Author
Songwriter
Songwriters compose original songs, including both lyrics and music, often collaborating with other artists or musicians. They craft melodies, harmonies, and arrangements to create music that resonates with listeners. This course can help you to hone your musical skills. Because the course explores various poetic forms and literary devices, you will gain a broader understanding of rhythmic music. The course's emphasis on developing a personal writer's voice is invaluable for any Songwriter.
See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter
Playwright
Playwrights write scripts for theatrical productions, creating characters, dialogue, and narratives that are brought to life on stage. They often collaborate with directors, actors, and other theater professionals to bring their visions to fruition. Because you will be crafting diverse types of poems, including narrative and satirical verse, you'll gain experience in storytelling and conveying different tones. This course will help you become a Playwright.
See salaries and explore the career path for Playwright
Creative Writing Teacher
A Creative Writing Teacher instructs students on the art and craft of creative writing. They design curricula, provide feedback on student work, and foster a supportive learning environment. Understanding different writing styles and techniques is essential. The course covers various poetic forms and literary devices, which may be useful when teaching students about poetry. You will also learn how to develop your own writer's voice, which can help you better guide and inspire your students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Writing Teacher
Lyricist
A Lyricist is responsible for writing the words to songs, often collaborating with composers and musicians to create music. Lyricists focus on crafting compelling narratives and emotional resonance through their words. This course helps you to understand literary devices and writing techniques. Because you will be crafting diverse types of poems, including narrative and satirical verse, you will gain experience in storytelling and conveying different tones. This course may be useful for lyricists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lyricist
Speechwriter
A Speechwriter crafts speeches for individuals in positions of authority, such as politicians, executives, and public figures. They must be skilled in persuasive writing, audience engagement, and understanding the speaker's voice. Because the course explores various poetic forms, literary devices, and emphasizing development of a personal writer's voice, it may be useful for the Speechwriter.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter
Content Writer
Content Writers create written material for websites, blogs, marketing campaigns, and other media. They need to be versatile in their writing styles. This course may be useful in becoming a Content Writer because you explore different poetic styles, literary devices, and creative writing techniques. You will be able to create a digital portfolio of your poetry, which can showcase your skills to potential employers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer
Blogger
Bloggers create and maintain online blogs, writing about topics of interest and engaging with readers. Bloggers need to be versatile writers. Though focused on poetry, the course emphasizes developing a unique voice, which is essential for attracting and retaining readers to a blog. The course encourages you to experiment with different writing styles and techniques, which can help you create engaging blog content. This course may be helpful to the Blogger.
See salaries and explore the career path for Blogger
Copywriter
A Copywriter creates persuasive and engaging marketing and advertising materials. They must be adept at crafting compelling narratives and using language to influence audiences. This course may be helpful in improving your skills with words. Because this course covers writing techniques, literary devices, and finding one's unique voice, it may be useful to the Copywriter.
See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter
Editor
Editors review and revise written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. They may work with various types of writing, including poetry, prose, and technical documents. This course covers different poetic styles, literary devices, and writing techniques. This course may be helpful to the Editor who would like to improve their understanding of poetry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Editor
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report news and current events for various media outlets. They need to be skilled in interviewing, fact-checking, and clear communication. While this course focuses on poetry, the course does emphasize clear communication. This course may be useful to the Journalist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Screenwriter
Screenwriters write scripts for movies, television shows, and other visual media. They must be skilled in storytelling, character development, and dialogue writing. While primarily focused on poetry, the course does touch on narrative structure and voice which may be useful. The course also encourages you to develop your own unique writer's voice, which can help you stand out in the screenwriting industry. This course may be helpful to the Screenwriter.
See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter
Grant Writer
Grant Writers research and write proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and other organizations. They need to be skilled in persuasive writing. Learning to communicate succinctly in poetry is helpful. Satirical poetry may provide insights into the human condition, which is important for any Grant Writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates documentation, manuals, and guides for technical products and services. While creativity may not be the first thing that comes to mind, clear and concise communication is critical. While the course focuses on poetry, the course may be useful in better understanding how to communicate effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Poetry Primer - Survey of Poetic Writing Styles and Projects.
Cover image
The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of...
Save
Serves as an excellent companion for aspiring poets. It provides practical advice, insightful prompts, and a wealth of examples to inspire creativity. It is particularly useful for understanding various poetic forms and techniques, aligning perfectly with the course's focus on poetic writing styles. This book is best used as a reference and for additional reading.
The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of...
Paperback
$$
The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
A Poetry Handbook
Save
This handbook offers a concise and accessible guide to the fundamentals of poetry. Mary Oliver's clear explanations and insightful observations make it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced poets. It is particularly helpful for understanding the technical aspects of poetry, such as meter, rhyme, and form. is best used as a reference and for additional reading.
A Poetry Handbook
Paperback
Check
A Poetry Handbook
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
3.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Trace Crawford
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides hands-on experience in crafting various poetic forms, such as sonnets, odes, and haikus, which allows learners to explore different styles and techniques
Includes instruction on recording poems for podcasts, which introduces learners to the world of spoken word poetry and provides a platform for sharing their work
Explores literary devices and terminology, such as assonance, consonance, alliteration, euphony, and cacophony, which are essential for understanding and analyzing poetry
Requires learners to use Audacity, which may require some learners to familiarize themselves with audio editing software and its features
Develops a writer's journal, which encourages consistent writing practice and self-reflection, fostering personal growth and development as a poet
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