Writing Occasional Poems
Writing Occasional Poems
Learn to write poems for specific occasions in this class offering an overview to new and continuing writers.
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What you can learn.
About This Course
As a writer, you can make the perfect splash at a birthday, wedding, or other event with a poem specially written for the occasion. Come with an occasion in mind (it can be made up!) and learn what makes these poems different from poems we write for ourselves, how to craft one, and what this ancient use for poetry -- as a toast or celebration -- can teach us in the rest of our writing. Students will leave this class with a first draft of a poem written for the occasion of their choice. Poems aren't just for literary journals, they're for real life!
Summer 2026 Schedule
Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course is held via video teleconference. As such, instructors use Zoom to offer a live class meeting at the designated time. Students must be present at the course meeting time to participate in the class.
Explore the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.
Learn from successful writers. Finish a novel. Complete a screenplay. Publish poetry. Write with purpose and impact.