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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop by California Institute of the Arts

4.8
stars
1,871 ratings

About the Course

Why just write poems when you can write better ones? This course is built on the notion that the most exciting writing begins after the first draft. It is specifically for folks who believe that writing poems just to express oneself is like using the Internet just for email. After all, poetry can change the way you and your readers think of the world and its inhabitants; it can break new ground for language; turn a blank sheet of paper into a teeming concert of voices and music. Though any of us may have the potential to make that happen, having an understanding of how several tools of poetic composition can be used (and audaciously “mis-used”) gives you more ways to try (and if we do this right, we might surprise ourselves most of all). We'll cover key poetic terms and devices by studying poems by a handful of modern and contemporary poets and then get a chance to try our own hand at writing new poem drafts from a select number of prompts. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to workshop your poem drafts and get feedback on your work, working towards a more polished poem....

Top reviews

CD

Jun 24, 2025

Excellent material taught in an accessible way. Wonderful to share my own work and receive feedback and learn the critical thinking skills to give useful feedback also to others. Great stuff

SM

Jun 11, 2020

Loved the course. Douglas Kearney is amazing as an instructor. I love poetry and this workshop has made me happy during the times of COVID 19. I thank CalArts for the encouragement and appreciation.

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601 - 625 of 771 Reviews for Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

By Jill B

•

Jun 12, 2016

Wrote a poem

I like.

That's something.

By Lucya S

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Feb 17, 2022

I learnt a lot and really enjoyed it

By Beth B

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Jul 19, 2020

fantastic and enthusiastic teacher

By Satyajit G

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Jan 16, 2017

A must course for budding poets!!!

By Chanelle W

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Mar 15, 2016

This course is really FUNdamental.

By Asad B

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Jul 19, 2018

Amazing. Best for learning poetry

By Margarita C

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Jun 25, 2018

Amazing!!! I am learning so much!

By PALASHA S

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Jun 29, 2016

Amazing tips for perfect poetry.

By Habibullah M

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Nov 29, 2025

I gained much from the course.

By Hari G

•

Oct 18, 2024

An excellent work shop course.

By Josafat C

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Sep 25, 2023

I really enjoyed the workshop.

By Kendi H

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Dec 13, 2022

I enjoyed it and learned a lot

By Kshitiza G

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May 5, 2022

very smooth, very informative!

By Isabella M A

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Dec 6, 2021

It was a wonderful experience!

By Mario G

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Apr 17, 2016

Great ...Awesome...lots of fun

By Elianna P

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Jul 3, 2017

Very educational and hands on

By Casey Z

•

May 19, 2017

Absolutely LOVED this course!

By Tony W J

•

Sep 22, 2022

to say,

the least.

Impactful..

By Kuldeep K

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Jun 25, 2021

Best course to learn poetry.

By Friendly M

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Oct 20, 2015

This is a very good class.

By Yisell L

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Apr 13, 2025

Me gusto mucho el curso.

By Mônica M

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Jul 8, 2020

Awesome beginners course

By Clara R

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Sep 30, 2018

Kind of magic and fun :D

By Baboucarr C

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Oct 24, 2017

Thorough and interesting

By Amir H

•

Oct 19, 2021

Amazing course! thanks!