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ENGL1000.1 What Is Poetry? An Introduction to Literary Analysis

Understand the basics of poetry analysis and learn key skills for studying English literature by exploring a variety of texts.

Person sitting on the grass writing in a notebook

  • Duration

    3 weeks

  • Weekly study

    3 hours
Overview
Requirements
Educators

Explore, understand and critique poetry

What are the different ways you can understand a poem? How do different elements of a poem work together? What difference does context make to literature?

Get answers to these questions and more with this course introducing poetry analysis and literary analysis.

You will examine a variety of texts written in different genres in order to develop an understanding of how writers deploy language to convey their ideas. You will develop fundamental skills in literary analysis, preparing your for further study of literature and creative writing.

What topics will you cover?

  • What is poetry?
  • Carpe diem
  • Storytelling

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain key literary concepts and findings in appropriate written forms.
  • Interpret literary works from different genres and eras at a foundational level.
  • Identify a variety of literary forms and the key terms used to describe and understand them.
  • Apply core linguistic concepts and principles in analysing English literature.

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone interested in poetry, English, literature, or literary analysis. You don’t need any previous experience.

Who will you learn with?

Gabriella Edelstein

I'm a Lecturer in English at the University of Newcastle, Australia. I specialise in early modern drama.

Caroline Webb

I'm an Associate Professor of English literature at the University of Newcastle, Australia. I am passionate about poetry, but my research focuses on modern literature, especially fantasy.

Who developed the course?

The University of Newcastle Australia

The University of Newcastle is a world-class university distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Ranked in Australia’s Top 10 universities, and 173rd in the world (QS rankings, 2024).

  • Established

    1965

  • Location

    Newcastle, Australia

  • World ranking

    Top 180Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

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Join the conversation on social media

You can use the hashtag #UniNewcastle to talk about this course on social media.