Understand how poetics and theory apply to your own writing
Learn to identify and strengthen your work’s formal aspects
About this course:
In this advanced workshop, you choose a specific project (for example, linked sequences of poems, such as prose or sonnets or a deep examination of imagery and/or metaphor) upon which to focus throughout the duration of the term. Through the exploration of your chosen area of study, you tap into deeper levels of poetics to apply to your own writing, learn to identify and strengthen your work's formal aspects, and refine your individual voice. You complete weekly writing and reading assignments specifically tailored to your project; reading assignments include both poems and essays on poetics. During weekly workshops, you are responsible for bringing in a new poem and have the opportunity to discuss your work through a lens specific to your chosen project.
Prerequisites
WRITING X 431.2 Poetry II or comparable workshop experience.
Admission to this course is by application only and the selection process is competitive. It is recommended that students take intermediate-level courses prior to submitting their work. When this course is open for enrollment, click "See Details" for application guidelines and quarterly application deadlines.
Summer 2025 Schedule
Date & Time
Details
Format
-
Thursday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens April 28, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
Enrollment limited to 12 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. $100 non-refundable. Enrollment discounts limited to WP NOW members; no other discounts apply.
The priority application deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 27 at 9am (PT). Applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
Submission guidelines:
Submit one document (double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins on all sides) containing:
a 10-page writing sample;
a synopsis of up to one page if the writing sample is an excerpt from a longer work (i.e. novel or memoir);
a personal statement of one paragraph outlining what the student hopes to gain from the class;
and a list of previous courses completed in the Writers’ Program or other programs, with instructors (when known).
To apply:
Log in with your existing student account and then add to cart and follow the prompts to create a new or returning student account. Then, follow the remaining instructions below:
Click “Start” on the first Application page.
On the 2nd Application page, click “Start” on the bottom left side of the page.
After that, you will be asked to upload a writing sample, per the guidelines below.
Once you finish the steps, click "Submit Application."
Please note that there are no pre-approvals. All students must submit the above requirements in order to be eligible for an advanced creative writing course.
Note: Despite being asked to enter payment information, you will not be charged for this course unless you choose to enroll if/when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1-2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start.
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.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after June 19, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry and Writing
by Richard Hugo
W.W. Norton
ISBN 9780393338720
A Poet’s Craft, A Comprehensive Guide to Making and Sharing Your Poetry
by Annie Finch
Oberlin College Press
ISBN 9780472033645
A Field Guide to Contemporary Poetry & Poetics
by Stuart Friebert, David Young, David Walker
University of Michigan Press
ISBN 9780932440778
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Thu Jun 26, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Jul 3, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Jul 10, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Jul 17, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Jul 24, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Jul 31, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Aug 7, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Aug 14, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Aug 21, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Discussion
Thu Aug 28, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 203
Contact Us
Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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