How to Write About Social Issues (6-Week Class)
Learn how to write persuasive and impactful articles and op-eds that move readers.
Cost: $495 $396
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Class size limit: 12
The gravity of todayâs world events inspires many of us to write about social issues, but doing so raises a host of complex questions. How do we write about the world as weâd like it to be without coming across as Pollyannaish or propagandistic? How do we write a story that does justice to a crucial social issue but is also a compelling read? Instructor Kavita Das has made answering these complicated questions her lifeâs work. Author of the book Craft and Conscience: How to Write About Social Issues, Kavita is an accomplished journalist whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, CNN and many other outlets. In this intensive 6-week class, Kavita will lead students in investigating these questions through lessons and reflections culled from her own extensive experience writing about and working toward social change. Weâll read work by a diverse range of writers who engage with social issues, parsing their relevance and application to studentsâ own work through creative writing exercises and assignments. Whether youâre working on op-eds, newsletters, reported articles or first-person pieces, you will learn how to connect with readers; avoid sensationalism, jargon, stereotypes, and bias; understand cultural sensitivity; weave the personal with the political; and consider the implications of putting your work out in the world. Each writer will have the opportunity to workshop one substantive piece of writing and receive feedback from the instructor and peers during this class.
This class is right for you ifâŠ
Youâre an established or emerging journalist looking to write a big piece focused on social issues.
Youâre an academic or nonprofit professional and you want to learn how to convey your expertise to a mainstream audience.
Youâre an individual impacted by social issues and you want to tell your story.
After this class youâll be ready toâŠ
Craft persuasive and impactful articles, op-eds and essays that move readers.
This is a 6-week class on Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm ET, starting September 30 and ending November 11. (No class on November 4.) All Narratively Academy classes are conducted online and are accessible to students anywhere in the world.
Instructor Bio: Kavita Das came to writing 12 years ago after working for social change and social justice for nearly 15 years. Coming to writing from the social change realm, Kavita has long believed in the power of writing to chronicle and catalyze change. She writes about culture, race, gender and their intersections. Having been nominated for a 2016 Pushcart Prize, her work has been featured in Salon, WIRED, CNN Opinion, Teen Vogue, Fast Company, Catapult, Tin House, Longreads, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Kenyon Review, Los Angeles Review of Books, Guernica, NBC News Asian America, Poets & Writers, Quartz, Colorlines, The Rumpus, The Sun, and other outlets. Her most recent book, Craft and Conscience: How to Write About Social Issues, the first creative writing craft guide on writing about social issues was published by Beacon Press in October 2022. Her first book, Poignant Song: The Life and Music of Lakshmi Shankar, a biography of the Grammy-nominated Hindustani musician who played a key role in bringing Indian music to the West, was published by Harper Collins India (June 2019). In the real world, she can be found in her hometown of New York trying to keep up with her five-year-old and rescue hound and in the virtual world, she can be found on Instagram: @kavitadas, X: @kavitamix, and at kavitadas.com.
âKavita Dasâs professional resume speaks volumes to her skill and knowledge base on social justice, but her comprehension is further exemplified, and amplified, in her writing. Anyone who has read Kavita Dasâs contributions to the larger discussion in national periodicals can see her attention to not only speaking out but also listening, a crucial point in any kind of social justice work. In reading her work and personally witnessing how carefully she analyzes and empathizes with others in various situations both in conversation and in action, thereâs no doubt sheâs one of the strongest voices on social justice issues, as well as a steadfast advocate in all aspects of her life.â âJennifer Baker, Author, Forgive Me Not; Anthology Editor, Everyday People
Registration Details: Seats in this class are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Prior to the start of your class youâll receive an invitation to access the virtual classroom and view all class materials.
Cancellation Policy:
Full refund when canceling 7 or more days before the class start date.
50% refund when canceling less than 7 days before the class start date.
No cancellations after the class start date.
Questions? Email us at academy@narratively.com.