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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.

9,264 enrolled on this course

Person sitting on the grass writing in a notebook

What Is Poetry? An Introduction to Literary Analysis

9,264 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

This course is part of the program Reading English Literature, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in Bachelor of Arts. Find out more.

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

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

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?

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 197th in the world (QS rankings, 2021).

  • Established

    1965
  • Location

    Newcastle, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 200Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

Ways to learn

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$27.99

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$89/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

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
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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Advance your career with a degree

Since 2017 you have been able to take a degree on FutureLearn. This free course is a bit like a starter course for a degree — it should give you a flavour of the degree subject but can also be your first step towards a degree qualification.

If you enjoy this course you can apply to join the program it’s part of to start working towards a degree on FutureLearn.

Don’t worry, you can still take the course without doing a full degree!

Do the free course
Join and complete the program
Get academic credit for an online degree from The University of Newcastle Australia
This course is part of the program Reading English Literature, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in Bachelor of Arts.

Get a taste of this course

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