Course Description

This course will focus on writing for social change. It takes as its starting place an understanding that because of the various crises society faces, there is a need for deep change, revolutionary change, in how humans think and act, our economy and politics, and our culture. As writers we can use our skills to influence and contribute to this critical shift. Change begins with a clear and well-articulated  understanding of where we are, and how we move forward. 

We’ll look at issues like point of view and voice, explore the genre of advocacy journalism, and hone techniques for persuasion. And we’ll read some of the best advocates for social change and revolution currently and across history. Through exercises and assignments, we’ll develop our capacity for critical thinking, ability to use emotional arguments judiciously to persuade, and our ear for good writing, as we bring a critical and stylistic perspective to bear on important societal problems.

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Learning Objectives:

• Develop critical thinking skills to analyze issues of power, injustice, and social change;

• Examine a range of social change and revolutionary writings from multiple perspectives;

• Read and analyze essays and articles to understand authorial style, point of view, tone, and advocacy strategies;

• Learn and apply persuasive rhetorical techniques;

• Learn by doing through writing exercises and assignments that build their ability to craft clear, compelling short- and long-form persuasive essays.