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Poetry Toolbox

poet writing at his desk
WRITING X 432.10E

Build up your writing skills in this crash course covering the most essential and most effective tools, from imagery to sound, from the poet’s toolbox that can be applied to writing of all kinds.

Duration
As few as 6 weeks
Units
2.0
Current Formats
Online
In Person
Cost
Starting at $585.00

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What you can learn.

Read contemporary poetry to learn how poets apply craft techniques to their work
Learn how to create striking images that avoid familiar clichés
Enhance description through mastery of figurative language
Practice employing poetic techniques in your writing

About This Course

Poets push language to the limits of its potential by forming words into sounds and images. In this workshop, you read examples from diverse contemporary poets as you learn how to craft images while avoiding clichés, employ simile and metaphor to enhance description, and apply the effects of sound as masterful elements of your poetry. In reading and discussing contemporary works and the works of classmates, you learn how poets choose and use these essential writing tools to craft poems that are striking, inspiring, and unforgettable.

Summer 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
This section has no set meeting times.
REG#
408690
Fee:
$585.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Deadline
Refunds only available from April 27, 2026 to August 02, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to access course materials.

Fall 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Tuesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
409767
Fee:
$585.00
In Personformat icon
UCLA
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required. 

This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Deadline
Refunds only available from July 27, 2026 to November 01, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to access course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Tue Oct 20, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Tue Oct 27, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Tue Nov 3, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Tue Nov 10, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Tue Nov 17, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Tue Nov 24, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.