Class Description
Do you have strong opinions, but don’t know how to turn them into strong op-eds? Would you like to format them into compelling, persuasive arguments? This class is for you! Each week, we'll look at published op-eds, commentaries, and topical personal essays by a range of voices and on diverse topics, all torn from the pages (and web-pages) of newspapers, magazines, and online publications such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Newsweek, USA Today, NBC Think, The Washington Post, WBUR's Cognoscenti, and various specialized and local publications. We'll mine these exemplary works for inspiration and instruction, and you’ll write a new 600- to 800-word op-ed every other week to be presented in class for feedback (on a rotating workshop schedule to be determined by class enrollment).
Over the six weeks, you'll practice: 1) how to hone your topic into a focused, timely, topical and marketable idea responsive to current events, news and culture that editors want; 2) how find good topics for you, and how to leverage your personal experience and expertise; 3) how to master basic op-ed technique and structure, including rhetorical devices like taking a stance, establishing a good hook, and recognizing both sides of a discussion; and 4) how and where to submit them to newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
Class Format
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Scholarship Information
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. Please visit the Resources tab to access the video-conference link.
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!