6 Weeks, 6 Op-Eds - Remote!

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 Washington Post, The Guardian and WBUR's Cognoscenti. We'll mine these exemplary works for inspiration and instruction, and you’ll write a new 600- to 800-word op-ed each week to be presented in class for immediate feedback. (Depending on class size, each student will workshop an op-ed each week, or there will be a rotating workshop schedule for feedback from the class and weekly feedback from the instructor). 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.

This class will be hosted using live Zoom meetings! You will be able to participate in class via Zoom videoconference from wherever you’re most comfortable. All you’ll need is a laptop or a phone! 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 via Zoom–no need to download anything or sign up for Zoom in advance! If you have questions about remote learning, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for more information.

For a glimpse at how remote learning works, look no further than the deep Zoom discussion of writing and literature below:

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.