Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop Course Reviews

The course aims to help aspiring poets develop their craft and sharpen their writing skills through a series of online lessons and exercises.

Throughout the course, students will learn about various aspects of poetry writing, including form, sound, imagery, and metaphor. They will also explore different poetic traditions and styles, such as the sonnet, free verse, and spoken word. In addition, the course will cover techniques for generating ideas and inspiration, as well as strategies for revising and refining poems.

The course consists of a series of video lectures, readings, writing prompts, and peer-reviewed assignments. Students will have the opportunity to share their work with a supportive community of fellow poets and receive feedback from their peers and the instructor.

At the end of the course, students will have developed a portfolio of original poems and gained a deeper understanding of the craft of poetry writing. They will also have the opportunity to submit their work to a literary magazine for possible publication.

Overall, Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop is a comprehensive and engaging course that offers valuable insights and guidance for anyone interested in writing poetry.

Course Content:

The Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop course by Douglas Kearney on Coursera consists of five parts, each with several lectures and assignments. Here is a breakdown of the course:

Part 1: Introduction to Poetry Writing

• 5 lectures
• 2 writing assignments

Part 2: Poetry Writing Fundamentals

• 4 lectures
• 2 writing assignments

Part 3: Poetry Writing Techniques

• 4 lectures
• 2 writing assignments

Part 4: Exploring Poetry Forms and Styles

• 4 lectures
• 2 writing assignments

Part 5: Poetry Writing Revision and Reflection

• 5 lectures
• 1 writing assignment

Overall, the course has a total of 22 lectures and 9 writing assignments.

Reviews:

Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop by Douglas Kearney on Coursera is a well-structured and engaging course that offers valuable insights and guidance for aspiring poets.

One of the strengths of the course is its emphasis on a range of writing techniques and approaches. Kearney covers a variety of poetic forms, styles, and techniques, including sonnets, free verse, and spoken word, and encourages students to experiment with different approaches to poetry writing. The course also offers useful tools and exercises for generating ideas and inspiration, which can be particularly helpful for those struggling with writer's block.

The peer review process is another valuable aspect of the course. Students are encouraged to submit their work for feedback from their peers and Kearney, and this process allows for a diverse range of perspectives and insights. The feedback is often constructive and helpful, and students have reported feeling more confident in their writing abilities as a result.

Kearney's lectures are engaging and well-paced, with clear explanations and examples that are easy to follow. The course also offers a range of supplementary materials, including readings and interviews with other poets, that provide additional context and inspiration.

While the workload can be challenging at times, particularly for those new to poetry writing, the assignments are well-designed and build upon each other in a logical and cohesive way. By the end of the course, students have developed a portfolio of original poems and gained a deeper understanding of the craft of poetry writing.

Overall, Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop is an excellent course for anyone interested in poetry writing, whether they are new to the craft or looking to refine their skills. The course offers a supportive and inspiring learning environment, and Kearney's expertise and guidance make it an invaluable resource for aspiring poets.

At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 1,605 ratings.

What you'll learn:

Upon completion of Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop by Douglas Kearney on Coursera, students will have gained several skills related to poetry writing. These skills include:

1. Understanding of poetry writing techniques: Students will have learned various techniques and approaches to poetry writing, such as meter, rhyme, imagery, and metaphor, and will be able to apply them to their own writing.

2. Familiarity with different poetic forms and styles: Kearney covers a range of poetic forms and styles, including sonnets, haikus, and spoken word, and students will have gained an understanding of how to write in these forms.

3. Ability to generate and refine ideas: The course offers exercises and prompts for generating ideas, as well as feedback from peers and the instructor to help students refine and improve their work.

4. Skill in revising and editing poetry: The course emphasizes the importance of revision and offers guidance on how to revise and edit poetry effectively.

5. Knowledge of the poetry writing process: Students will have gained insight into the process of poetry writing, from generating ideas to revising and publishing their work.

Overall, students who complete Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop will have developed a deeper understanding of the craft of poetry writing and will have gained valuable skills and tools for improving their writing.

Author:

Douglas Kearney is a well-respected poet, performer, and educator known for his innovative and boundary-pushing work in contemporary poetry.

Kearney holds an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts and has published several critically acclaimed collections of poetry, including "The Black Automaton," "Patter," and "Buck Studies." He has also been widely anthologized and his work has been featured in numerous literary journals.

In addition to his writing, Kearney is also an accomplished performer, known for his dynamic and engaging spoken word performances. He has performed his work at numerous venues and festivals, including the Getty Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Whitney Biennial.

As an educator, Kearney has taught creative writing and literature at several institutions, including the University of California, San Diego, and the California Institute of the Arts. He has also led poetry workshops and residencies for a range of organizations, including the Poetry Foundation and Cave Canem.

Overall, Kearney's work demonstrates a deep knowledge and understanding of poetry, as well as a commitment to pushing the boundaries of the art form. His innovative and thought-provoking approach to poetry has earned him widespread acclaim and recognition as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary poetry today.

Requirements:

The requirements for Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop by Douglas Kearney on Coursera include:

1. Access to a computer or mobile device with internet access to watch video lectures, complete assignments, and participate in peer reviews.

2. Basic knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary to understand and write poetry.

3. A willingness to engage with the course material and participate in peer review activities, which are a crucial component of the course.

4. A commitment to the writing process, including generating ideas, revising, and editing work.

5. A desire to improve one's poetry writing skills and learn from a seasoned poet and educator.

Overall, the course requires a dedication to the craft of poetry writing and a willingness to actively participate in the learning process. By meeting these requirements, students can expect to gain valuable skills and tools for improving their poetry writing and deepen their understanding and appreciation of the art form.