Writing Occasional Poems

WRITING 731.6

Learn to write poems for specific occasions in this class offering an overview to new and continuing writers.

What you can learn.

Explore the relationship between poems and specific events
Investigate the rich tradition of poetry in daily life, from toasts to commemorations
Draft a new poem based on an event you have in mind
Distinguish between occasional poems and poems you write as part of your regular practice

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 2025 Schedule

July 14

Monday 5:00PM - 8:00PM PT

Future Offering (Opens June 30, 2025 12:00:00 AM)

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Instructor: Brian Sonia-Wallace

403729

Live Online

Location: UCLA X Open

Updating...

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Notes

Enrollment opens two weeks prior to the event. 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.

Course Requirements

Internet access required to access course materials.

Schedule

Type

Date

Time

Location

Online

Mon Jul 14, 2025

5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT

UCLA X Open