Do you have a series of poems stashed in your notebook? This course reveals the tools poets use to make a poem burst from the page in timeless wonder. You will gain observational skills and learn literary techniques so you can express yourself in a range of poetic forms. To inspire writing, we will read classic poets such as Nikki Giovanni and Gary Snyder as well as spoken word artists like Kate Hao, Mayda del Valle, and Mark Gonzalez. You will also practice performing dramatic readings of your own poetry. By the end of the week-long workshop, you will walk away with a series of writing exercises to use on your own and resources about where to perform or publish. No previous poetry or performance experience is required.
Kristin Land has taught English literature and composition to high school and college students in the Bay Area for over 17 years. To nurture students’ poetic expression as well as their academic identities, she infuses her writing workshops with performance elements such as 3-minute skits, open mics, art projects, or role-play debates.
