UCLA Extension winter holiday closure: December 21 through January 1. Learn More
Writing the Think Piece
WRITING X 424.15E
Learn to write provocative pieces on current events and trends in this workshop devoted to crafting powerful essays.
What you can learn.
- Read and discuss powerful examples of thinkpieces from contemporary writers
- Determine what makes a thinkpiece effective
- Learn to research your argument and structure ideas
- Complete several polished pieces in response to news and popular ideas
About this course:
Perhaps no genre is more shared, read, and critiqued than the online thinkpiece. As much as these essays capture and analyze the current cultural landscape, they are often misunderstood as quick, cheap, or reactionary. The truth is that the genre is malleable enough for any writer to find their footing and to craft their voice within its limits. Together, we define what a thinkpiece is and is not by reading some of its most well-known writers, including Roxane Gay, Kiese Laymon, and Rebecca Solnit. Then, we work on honing your voice, researching your argument, and giving structure to your ideas. Participants walk away from the course with several pieces of polished work.Contact Us
Corporate Education
Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.
Donate to UCLA Extension
Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.