The Long and the Short of It: The Politics of Writing

Writing well matters. It can play a key role in the circulation and targeting of ideas in society and can also have a direct impact on the development and health of a democracy. This course will take as its starting point the value of good writing and the social context in which it is embedded. We will look at process and practice and examine issues of impact. We will look at a variety of forms, including press releases, long form works, and investigative pieces that can lead to shifts in policy. We will also explore how the art of speechwriting and rhetoric can be used to persuade and galvanize audiences.