Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

CalArts approaches poetry through choices at the level of the line, image, metaphor and sound. Revision provides a way to test those choices rather than treat the first draft as fixed. It suits beginners who want to write and examine poems through concrete craft exercises and close attention to language.

What you will learn

• Experiment with line and image.
• Explore metaphor, rhyme and rhythm.
• Develop a revision process.

Who this suits

Beginners interested in reading, drafting and revising poetry.

Before you enroll

Allow time for drafting and revision beyond the listed lessons. Feedback arrangements and assessment access depend on enrollment terms. Use your own material, protect the privacy of people represented in personal writing and check rights before publishing. Course completion does not guarantee publication.

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Put it into practice

Draft a short poem, change its line breaks and read both versions aloud, recording how rhythm and emphasis alter the reader’s experience.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

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