Note: Course fee not inclusive of application fee and GST.
Course details
This course offers an introduction to the craft of poetry, exploring elements such as form, voice, rhythm and the sonic impact of language.
Through readings ranging from classical poetry to contemporary works, you will examine how poetic traditions have evolved, both building on established structures and breaking convention to create new forms of expression.
Each session features guided discussions, readings and writing exercises that encourage you to explore how poetry uses sound, imagery, movement and space to convey meaning. Inspired by works such as Billy Collins’ Introduction to Poetry, the course invites you to approach poetry with curiosity, creativity and openness.
Weekly assignments will provide opportunities to write and share original poems. As reading aloud is central to understanding rhythm and sound, you will also practice presenting and discussing your work in a supportive environment. By the end of the course, you will develop a deeper appreciation for poetic forms and greater confidence in your own poetic expression.
About the trainer
Michelle Elvy
Michelle Elvy is an award-winning writer, editor, and once-upon-a-time historian based in Dunedin, New Zealand. She shares her expertise as an online instructor at 52|250 A Year of Writing and contributes to the literary community as the editor of Flash Frontier: An Adventure in Short Fiction and the chair of New Zealand's National Flash Fiction Day.
Additionally, Michelle is managing editor of the Best Small Fictions series and has been the reviews editor for Landfall, the oldest literary journal in New Zealand.
Her widely published and anthologised works encompass stories, poetry, travel writing and reviews. Notable among her literary achievements are the books the everrumble (2019) and the other side of better (2021), as well as anthologies like Bonsai: Best small stories of Aotearoa New Zealand (2018), Ko Aotearoa Tātou | We Are New Zealand (2020), A Kind of Shelter Whakaruru-taha (2023) and Short | Poto (2025), a dual language collection of short stories in English and te reo Māori—the Indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2026, her poetry collection ocean sky marble eye will be published by Maungatua Press.
Application information
Writing materials
Arts enthusiasts, arts and language students, teachers and/or anyone keen to explore poetry writing.
For clarity on the application process, payment matters, available subsidies, certification, and our cancellation and refund policy, please refer to our FAQs page.
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