Class Description
Get your op-ed out of your head and into the headlines! Each week, we'll look at published op-eds, commentaries, and topical personal essays torn from the pages (and web-pages) of newspapers, magazines, and online publications ranging from The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, The Guardian and New York Times, and publications local to each student. We'll mine these exemplary works for inspiration and instruction. You’ll write a new 600- to 800-word op-ed focused on a different idea every week. 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 to leverage your personal experience and expertise; 3) how to master basic op-ed structure, including crafting ledes and kickers, writing a strong body, and adding support and research; 4) how to use classic rhetorical devices and recognize both sides of a discussion; and 5) how and where to submit them to newspapers, magazines, and online publications. You’ll be required to submit at least one finished op-ed for publication.
This class is classified as a generator, which means the focus of the class is on generating new work. Students will discuss each other's work in cohorts facilitated by the instructor, but the emphasis is not on formal critique. Students will have the opportunity to submit one revised piece to the instructor at the end of class to receive a critique and recommendations on next steps.
*Note that while our handy dandy "Schedule" tab states a 6-7pm class time, there are actually no live meetings for this class! Assignments and deadlines will be given by your instructor. Students will have access to the online class portal starting at 5pm on the first day of class. Instructions for logging onto the online portal will be emailed to registered students before 5pm the first day of class.
Did you know that we have scholarships available for all GrubStreet classes? To apply, click the "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button in the top right corner of this page. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your scholarship application and await our Scholarship Committee's decision before registering for the class. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
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.