This course offers an introduction to the art of writing a commentary. It will be run like a lab with students producing an opinion piece for publication in a major media outlet. We will begin with a study of what makes for a successful opinion piece. Students will learn about the process of getting an opinion piece published. Students will identify, research, report, write and edit an opinion piece during the semester. They will engage in classroom discussions about their opinion pieces, acting as first readers and editors for each other's work. Before the end of the semester, they will submit the pieces for publication to major media outlets.

Former Wall Street Journal reporter Asra Q. Nomani, who has published opinion pieces in publications from the Washington Post to TIME, the New York Times and the LA Times, will teach the course.

• To develop good research, reporting, and persuasive writing skills resulting in published work.
• To develop writers who understand and can communicate critical issues so that the public can make informed and thoughtful decisions.
• To develop an understanding of the role of public opinion in public policy. 

Credits: 3
Pre-requisites: None