The topic is presented through workshops in which students discuss the critical reading of poetry and techniques involved in its writing. It is essentially based around:
Technical aspects include the use of figurative language e.g., (metaphor, simile, metonymy, synecdoche), as well as tone, line breaks, and more. These cross over into consideration of poetry as performance, such as its use of sound and rhythm. Students will also discuss various significant aspects of form, such as open and closed poetry, haiku, ghazal, sonnet, sestina, and free verse.
Students will undertake exercises, including drafting and revising their own poetry and editing the work of their peers, in order to both apply the knowledge gained in the topic and develop their creative writing skills. The workshop activities, set readings, and writing exercises will help students to appreciate the place of craft in creating poetry.
