Registration is now open for the International Writing Program’s newest creative writing MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), How Writers Write Poetry 2015. The seven-week online course, beginning on March 23, 2015, offers an interactive progression through the principles and practice of writing poetry. The course is open to everyone in the world, free of charge, and will be taught in English.

“Nearly 16,000 people joined us for our MOOCs in 2014,” says Susannah Shive, IWP Distance Learning Coordinator. “We’re excited to support the formation of new international communities, and to welcome new participants into those communities, particularly aspiring writers who may not have access to many opportunities for creative writing study.”

Instructors are Christopher Merrill, poet, University of Iowa Professor of English, and International Writing Program Director; and Camille Rankine, poet, Assistant Director of the MFA Program at Manhattanville College, and Editorial Director of The Manhattanville Review. The course will include discussions and workshops, as well as craft talks by more than 20 contributing writers, including former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass, Kwame Dawes, Marvin Bell, Lia Purpura, Kazim Ali, Kate Greenstreet, Natasha Tiniacos, and many others.

No previous writing experience is necessary, only a stable internet connection. If you would like to take this course but do not have stable internet access, please contact the International Writing Program at distancelearning.iwp@gmail.com.

The MOOC series How Writers Write: Talks on Craft and Commitment is made possible by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and by the University of Iowa in support of global academic and creative exchange.