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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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401 - 425 of 699 Reviews for Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

By Deepika S

Jul 11, 2017

Learning a lot of things relevant for this course; I think the peer graded workshop is very helpful too.

By Erin

Mar 7, 2018

This was an entry level course to poetry and I feel like by taking it I have become a much better poet.

By Charlie B

Jan 2, 2018

Amazing! An engaging, pleasing, and intelligible (as well as intelligent) instructor—I fully recommend.

By E. S S

Dec 22, 2015

fun and informative class, with interesting exercises, instructor grabs your attention in short videos.

By Walter G

Jan 31, 2021

This workshop is a great starting point, very easy to understand, it leads to other useful resources.

By Kirsty M

Oct 22, 2023

I absolutely adored this course. The lecturer was engaging and very concise in what he was teaching.

By Durga D

Jul 7, 2021

The professor OMG absolutely wonderful. The course is paced well and topics are covered well enough.

By Barbara D T

Dec 13, 2022

Great course! Enjoyed the learning experience. If there is part 2 of this course, I would take it.

By Vaida A

Mar 2, 2021

Very helpful! Interesting! Interactive! The teacher is a great poet, actor and everything in one:)

By Usraat

Jun 10, 2020

Beautifully taught. The professor is one of the most enthusiastic educator I have ever come across!

By H K

May 21, 2020

An amazing experience, learned a great deal and I now feel slightly more confident about my poetry.

By bluesnow

Mar 16, 2017

Excellent theory and practise. Entertaining but skilled videos. Good team feeling. Useful feedback.

By Amanda M

Dec 1, 2016

Great course! The videos are fun, and I received a lot of great feedback from my fellow classmates.

By Diana G

Oct 23, 2015

The classes were interesting and dynamic, very motivating. I learned a lot. Thank you very much !!!

By Alan B

Oct 12, 2015

Great course that is well paced and engagingly taught by someone who loves poetry. Take this class!

By Frank O

Feb 3, 2023

This was a surprisingly fun MOOC and I am sad is over. But I will keep writing poems.

Thank you DK.

By Pooja P

Nov 4, 2019

Doug is so good with poetry and makes each poem come alive, This is such an enriching experience.

By Rula H

Sep 29, 2015

A GREAT COURSE!

Very useful. The presener has absolutely a way with his way of teaching.

Thank you!!

By Dan W

Nov 6, 2023

The instructor was fantastic. He made the course both instructional and fun. Thank you very much!

By Frances S

Jun 16, 2021

Excellent! Highly engaging instructor -- the way the material was imparted was quite inspiring.

By Sarah N &

Jun 26, 2018

As a teen writer, I've always had difficulty finding a free but substantial poetry class online.

By 戴美涛

Oct 4, 2015

the teacher used a fun way to share the knowledge of poetry. I like the course very much ,thank!

By Arshiya Z

Aug 18, 2023

Thank you so much for the tutor of this course. I learnt so many things about the poem writing.

By Harry Y

Oct 2, 2022

Awesome instructor and poet Doug Kearney! Enjoyable learning experiences! Highly recommend it!

By Alyssa T

May 21, 2020

Amazing! Totally changed my style and made it more readable, added new styles to my repertoire.