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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop by California Institute of the Arts

4.8
stars
1,707 ratings

About the Course

Why just write poems when you can write better ones? This course is built on the notion that the most exciting writing begins after the first draft. It is specifically for folks who believe that writing poems just to express oneself is like using the Internet just for email. After all, poetry can change the way you and your readers think of the world and its inhabitants; it can break new ground for language; turn a blank sheet of paper into a teeming concert of voices and music. Though any of us may have the potential to make that happen, having an understanding of how several tools of poetic composition can be used (and audaciously “mis-used”) gives you more ways to try (and if we do this right, we might surprise ourselves most of all). We'll cover key poetic terms and devices by studying poems by a handful of modern and contemporary poets and then get a chance to try our own hand at writing new poem drafts from a select number of prompts. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to workshop your poem drafts and get feedback on your work, working towards a more polished poem....

Top reviews

ES

May 4, 2022

The professor and tasks were very engaging. I truly looked forward to tuning in and working through the lessons and assignments. My interest in poetry is further stoked and I can't wait to learn more.

SM

Jun 11, 2020

Loved the course. Douglas Kearney is amazing as an instructor. I love poetry and this workshop has made me happy during the times of COVID 19. I thank CalArts for the encouragement and appreciation.

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376 - 400 of 699 Reviews for Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

By James M

May 8, 2021

This course covers a lot of ground in a very compact way. Like good poetry this course is tight an devoid of fluff.

By Deleted A

Aug 25, 2018

Interesting, useful and fun course with a unique (actually, unforgettable) instructor presentation style. Thanks :)

By Akash T

Oct 14, 2023

The professor is energetic and the workshop provides us with simple ideas of poetry that are significant as well.

By John P

Sep 6, 2022

Great course! Anyone can take this course and get a better understandng of what goes into the creation of poetry.

By Saul G

Mar 7, 2019

Instructor, Mr.KEARNEY makeS of poetry something so lit. It has awaked the interest for understanding it better.

By Carla G

Sep 25, 2016

This course gave me a better understanding of poetry, the art form. The class is well-structured and well-paced.

By Josiane A d F

Jul 1, 2023

This course is fantastic! It helps you improve your reading and writing of poems as well as how to revise them.

By Sharon E

Oct 7, 2020

Educational, inspiring, entertaining - a wonderful, unique all-round experience - I learned so much.

Thank you!

By Reuben J

Dec 8, 2017

Extremely useful and well explained for anybody from someone who has never seen the topics to English graduates

By Lindsay M

Sep 22, 2020

Lots of fun while learning key concepts. Exercises and Assignments really helped me engage with the material.

By Vladislav L

Nov 24, 2016

An amazing, interesting and very thought-provoking course! Thank you, Douglas Kearney and all fellow students!

By Penny p

Nov 18, 2022

Doug's every video really made me laugh and enjoy. So nice to have such a great time dive into poetry things!

By Sieran Y

Nov 14, 2021

Loved the prof! Funny, engaging, and eloquent presenter. I enjoyed giving feedback to classmates the most.

By Brandy R

Jan 28, 2022

I enjoyed the peer review process the most. The course was great. The professor was insightful and creative.

By Larry W

Mar 22, 2018

Engaging and informative but not overwhelming. A wonderful introduction to the various components of poetry.

By Gustavo A G A

Aug 28, 2017

Extraordinario maestro. Gran curso. Hace que la poesía sea algo asequible para todos. Altamente recomendable

By Xie W

Mar 9, 2017

It's a lot of fun to study this course, especially the peer review could be very rewarding and entertaining.

By Mariam

Apr 10, 2017

The setup and information provided and partnered with prompts is really helpful in aquiring greater skills.

By Joseph F

Feb 2, 2021

Fun instructor, very good choices of poems to examine and a concise breakdown of the many literary devices

By Alisha B

Jun 21, 2020

Amazing course! I learned so much about not only writing poetry, but reading it and analyzing. I loved it!

By Stephanie R

Feb 13, 2021

Douglas Kearney is an exceptional teacher. I've taken many online courses and he gets 10/10 for delivery!

By Megan A

Nov 30, 2020

This was such a fun learning experience! It challenged me and pushed me to get creative and build skills.

By Mo A

Jun 21, 2020

Doug is a great teacher and I enjoyed his methods a lot. I learned a lot from him. I appreciate it all!

By katie w

Aug 1, 2019

The instructor is great and we get to read some really awesome poetry. The prompts are fun and creative!

By Kamila Ś

Aug 30, 2017

Nice, easy and informative. Enjoyed it very much. Now I'm starting work on my own little book of poetry.