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ENGL3301.1: Creative Writing and Poetics

Have fun writing poetry as you explore and create various forms of poetry and experiment with different poetic ideas.

An arrangement of paper, scissors, pencils and clips
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours

Get creative with a playful and practical exploration of poetry

Poetry often has the reputation of being an abstract and complicated form of expression, guarded by the pretentious elite.

On this three-week course, you’ll discover the fun and value that can be found in writing your own poetry.

This practical and hands-on course gives you the opportunity to learn the common rules of poetry and then decide how best to turn those rules into an enjoyable creative writing experience.

Explore different techniques such as lineation

What is the effect of rhythm and rhyme on a poem? Does it matter where we decide to start a new line? How do we make use of the power of the lyric? On the course, you’ll explore these questions and learn how to answer them with confidence.

You’ll cover topics such as the basics of poetry, lineation, creative writing, and lyric poetry to gain a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and theories used to shape a poem.

Build your confidence alongside experts

This course will equip you with the knowledge needed to start writing poetry as well as showing you the fun and creative side of poetics.

Learning from David Musgrave, poet, and teacher of Creative Writing and English literature at the University of Newcastle, you’ll finish the course with the skills and confidence to unleash your inner poet.

What topics will you cover?

  • The basics of poetry
  • Lineation
  • Lyric poetry

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.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in poetry.

It will be of particular interest if you want to build your understanding of poetry and creative writing.

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

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Join the conversation on social media

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