This module is delivered via a craft lecture, manuscript workshop, and editorial tutorials, which amount to three hours per week for twenty weeks across both semesters. The structure of the module is a chronological survey approach to practical poetics from Modernism to current practice.
In semester one, this module will familiarise students with the basic elements of form and structure: traditional verse forms (e.g. sonnets, sestinas) and how they have been developed in modern poetic practice. European and Anglo-American Modernism will also be taught in semester one. This part of the course is assessed by exam. There will also be non-assessed formative and diagnostic appraisals in the form of blended learning tasks and class-work.
During semester two, students will engage with texts from 1950-present. It will provide an introductory overview and practical guide to poetics for students and allow them to reflect on a variety of poetic practices. The practice-led workshops will supply in-depth practical help with students own poetic writing and explore the theoretical aspects of poetics through discussion through peer groups with particular attention to craft. Students will learn a number of writing techniques and be encouraged to use them in writing imaginatively. They will be given opportunities to practise traditional as well as more experimental forms of poetic expression.
Students will gain practical professional knowledge of the industry by reading and analysing literary magazines and contemporary poetry collections, and also though the application of industry-specific knowledge about the composition of cover letters to editors.

One of the principles underlying this module is the belief that the practice of writing can be assisted by knowledge and understanding of literature and the module delivers an historical survey of the major periods and movements in poetic practice which is supported by relevant set texts. Essential to the text-based workshops classes, for example, will be some consideration of literary form and style, the study of contemporary poets. This knowledge facilitates the process of the application of critical analysis to the student' own creative practice. Reading and evaluation of student work in the workshop sessions develops communication and presentation skill (verbal and textual). Industry-specific employability skills are developed in the writing of a cover letter and submission suitable for a literary journal. Transferable employability skills include: presentation, communication, production of text that is highly literate, crafted, and considered, critical analysis, and precision and sensitivity in the giving of feedback to peers.

Key Information Set Data:
24% Scheduled Learning & Tecahing Activities
76% Guided Independent Learning

Library, Internet. The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook. Networked PC DVD/Video Projection.

Rothenberg and Joris. (1999) Poems for the Millennium. Volume 1. LA: University of California Press.
Paul Hoover. (1994) Postmodern American Poetry. NY: Norton.

Teaching Block 1:
EXAMS 30%
PART I: (45 mins) Questions on form, techniques, periods and movements relating to module content. (Learning Outcome 1)
PART II: (1 hour 15 mins) Creative Piece on one of the specific forms studied during the module. Notebooks containing annotations may be brought into the exam. (Learning Outcome 2)

Teaching Block 2:
PORTFOLIO (final work) 70% which contains:
a) evidence of workshop participation (dated draft work, edits, process notes) (Learning Outcomes 3, 5)
b) collection of SIX poems (Learning Outcome 4 )
c) Cover letter to an editor of a little magazine/literary journal (Learning Outcome 4)

Key Information Set Data:
30% Written Exam
70% Coursework