In-Person Classes: Expect traffic delays near Westwood this week. Allow extra time to commute.

Writing Occasional Poems

WRITING 731.6

Learn to write poems for specific occasions in this class offering an overview to new and continuing writers.

What you can learn.

Explore the relationship between poems and specific events
Investigate the rich tradition of poetry in daily life, from toasts to commemorations
Draft a new poem based on an event you have in mind
Distinguish between occasional poems and poems you write as part of your regular practice

About this course:

As a writer, you can make the perfect splash at a birthday, wedding, or other event with a poem specially written for the occasion. Come with an occasion in mind (it can be made up!) and learn what makes these poems different from poems we write for ourselves, how to craft one, and what this ancient use for poetry -- as a toast or celebration -- can teach us in the rest of our writing. Students will leave this class with a first draft of a poem written for the occasion of their choice. Poems aren't just for literary journals, they're for real life!