ENGL 211: Creative Writing: Poetry

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Instruction and practice in various forms of poetry and poetic practice. Emphasis on figurative language, sound, rhythm, and other poetic techniques. Critical evaluation of professional and student writing. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • demonstrate a knowledge of techniques employed in sophisticated poetry
  • employ critical thinking in studying the methods of evaluating poetry and songs for the purpose of self-appraisal
  • write poetry, song lyrics, or rap
  • explain how culture and gender influence creative work

Major Course Content

  1. Poetic analysis
    1. Making meaning
    2. Sound and rhythm
    3. Poetic enactment
    4. Diction
    5. Form and content
    6. Problems of writing popular song lyrics
  2. Poetic practice
    1. Creativity exercises
    2. Poetic form
    3. Poetic conventions
    4. Imagery techniques
    5. Voice
    6. Tone and atmosphere
  3. Revision
    1. Redrafting strategies
    2. Constructive criticism
    3. Analysis and evaluation
    4. Close reading and explication
    5. Finding a poetic voice

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

poems, song lyrics, book reviews, literary criticism, biography

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Write well constructed poems and revise those poems to improve their literary merit. Write an evaluation of student work with a focus on constructive criticism. Write an explication essay in order to develop skills in poetic analysis.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Study poems, literary devices, cultural background, and poets' biographies Answer study questions related to the above topics Practice skills such as brainstorming an image list to create poems, write poems using a specific form, or critique peer work in order to strengthen analytical skills Read required materials

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture