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

4.8
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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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176 - 200 of 699 Reviews for Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

By Derek O

Aug 2, 2020

This course was engaging, informative and entertaining. The instructor clearly loves his subject and enjoys teaching. His lectures are insightful and on point. I learned something in every unit. Thank you for this wonderful course.

By YJ K

Apr 3, 2019

The students giving feedback on my work was impressive, and I certainly learnt a whole load of things during this course. One of the best workshops I've done that gave me the chance to actually develop on my skills! :) Thanks Doug.

By esther j

Jun 13, 2021

I have enjoyed learning this course. This course is Useful, Informative, Fun. I liked doing Prompts which has helped me to enhance my writing. By learning this course now I see poetry from different dimensions. Thank You so much .

By liza m b

Jun 1, 2020

Incredible course! The information I learned was invaluable to my writing practice, understanding of poetry, and revision process. I gained so much confidence in my writing and had fun experimenting with different forms of poetry.

By Kevin G

May 4, 2020

Great course overall, and delivered in a fun / non-intimidating way. I had wanted an introduction into reading and writing poetry for a long time, but not felt comfortable with other courses / materials but this was near perfect.

By Perpetua S

Sep 12, 2023

Splendid course. I thought I already know poetry writing. Apparently not. In 6 modules, I learned more than a semester (over 3 months) in the university. More of this kind of courses, please. And Douglas is very engaging.

By Misha B

Jun 17, 2020

Great class. I think the rhyme and revision sections were the most helpful for me personally. The professor was extremely knowledge, and the course contents were explained thoughtfully, yet in a concise manner. Highly recommend!

By Ezra E

Sep 23, 2017

I enjoyed this workshop. It has helped me to rethink what poetry is, and it has given me valuable knowledge so I can write better poems. The length of the workshop is ideal. I feel the peer review aspect could be strengthened.

By Eric H R

Jul 27, 2016

This course was a lot of fun and very helpful. Even though I have been involved with poetry for many years, I found the Professor's presentations entertaining and enlightening. I have learned a lot from this course. Thanks.

By Jitin R

Mar 31, 2023

This course is perfect for people who want to learn 'about' poems in depth, and can write their own ones based off of the simple or complex techniques used by various poets in order to enhance their view of their own poem.

By Trapper M

May 20, 2020

Just what I needed. A fantastic intro to get you thinking about some of the key concepts in your writing. I highly recommend this as a starting point for new poets. The exercises are also motivational to write in new ways.

By Rochel B

Jun 13, 2022

i thought this course to be so clear!

it gave all the information needed to start in the poetry career.

it is also a great course for already learned poets to remind themselves of some basic rules and guidelines to follow.

By Anna

Sep 28, 2023

Loved the teacher and the course. Really felt his passion for poetry transmitted through the videos. It inspired many new pieces of work. I felt supported by the other students through the peer review process. Thank you!

By Miriam L

Oct 15, 2023

I came to the course to learn poetry basics to expand my skills. I got what I came for and more. The professor's humour and the presentations were excellent. I love that I was exposed to poets I had not read. Thank you.

By Samreen

Jan 5, 2021

The course was informative and provided an enriching learning experience. I loved the instructor's teaching style which made learning fun. I am encouraged to take up more such courses now and enhance my writing skills.

By Maria K M v Z

Apr 24, 2023

as a beginner, I loved it! Douglas is a good teacher and I love his humor. The assignments are challenging and instructive. I was able to finish the course quickly and I hope there will be a follow up to this course!

By Siddhi D

Jun 14, 2019

This was an amazing course that made me learn a lot about poem writing and completely changed the way I perceived poems. My skills have improved greatly thanks to this course. It was probably the best I've ever taken.

By Logan R

Mar 13, 2018

Great place to start as some one who has always had an interest in poetry but never really knew where to start. I got a good poem out of this workshop and I have seen my work change over this 6 weeks. Lovely course!

By Gaurie S

May 23, 2021

Sharpened visions indeed. If you feel like you need something like the Dead Poets' Society, take this course! This is a write-your-heart-out course, learning, expanding and analyzing yourself all the way! Much thanks

By Mehraneh k p

Oct 21, 2023

I am a Persian poet. Participating in this course was a unique insight for me to experience English poetry, and it greatly helped my literally and poetic knowledge. I am grateful to all the producers of this course.

By Maryam S

Apr 5, 2017

A nice refresher course in poetry. Love the prompts given by the instructor. Simple method of teaching, but it covers all aspects of poetry writing. Good pace as well. Highly recommended for new and seasoned poets.

By Mariette S

Jul 1, 2022

The instructor covered a lot of poetry topics in an entertaining and succinct way. I learned a lot about poetry construction and enjoyed the videos. I also appreciate the solid peer reviews from fellow classmates.

By Kirsten C

May 31, 2021

Very comprehensive course! I thought I knew all I needed to know about poetry, but this course stepped it up. It's a great way to build up the writing arsenal of poets from any skill level. Would highly recommend!

By Sierra C

Oct 23, 2020

I learned a lot about technical details that I hadn't learned/had forgotten about, and I got some really great feedback from the workshops. Definitely turned me into a believer of the revision/editing process. :)

By Wenjuan Y

Feb 7, 2024

I absolutely love this course. Professor Douglas Kearney managed to make writing a poem, a seeming difficult concept, fun and achievable. I like his style and love his assignments that are friendly to beginners.