AustLit

The topic is presented through workshops in which students discuss the critical reading of poetry and techniques involved in its writing. It is essentially based around:

• what poetry offers that is different from other writing
• the initial stages of poetry's creation and its subsequent editing
• significant aspects of poetic form, metre and technique
• how we can apply close reading to poetry and discuss it in a meaningful manner

Technical aspects include the use of figurative language e.g., (metaphor, simile, metonymy, synecdoche), as well as tone, line breaks, and more. These cross over into consideration of poetry as performance, such as its use of sound and rhythm. Students will also discuss various significant aspects of form, such as open and closed poetry, haiku, ghazal, sonnet, sestina, and free verse.

Students will undertake exercises, including drafting and revising their own poetry and editing the work of their peers, in order to both apply the knowledge gained in the topic and develop their creative writing skills. The workshop activities, set readings, and writing exercises will help students to appreciate the place of craft in creating poetry.

This topic aims to:

• outline the distinguishing characteristics and claimed special achievements of poetry
• present critical tools for discussing the technical aspects of poetry, including some significant forms and its use of figurative language
• develop greater creative writing and editing skills in poetry