Your words can make a difference — even if you’ve never published anything before. In this course, we’ll examine what distinguishes effective persuasive writing from simply griping or ranting. Then you’ll practice what you’ve learned by crafting a short opinion piece, such as a letter to the editor or an op/ed column, and sharing it with the class for respectful, constructive feedback. Finally, we’ll cover how to find and submit your opinion for publication.

Suggested Readings: 

The OpEd Project

Harvard Kennedy School: “How to Write an OpEd”

Anne Stuart is a writer, editor, teacher, and storyteller. She’s a senior editor at MIT Sloan Management Review; previously, she held other editorial and communication roles at MIT. Earlier, she was a senior editorial staffer for Inc., and Harvard Magazine, among others; still earlier, she was a reporter, feature writer, and columnist for daily newspapers and The Associated Press. She is an adjunct professor of communication at Regis College and has taught at other Boston-area universities and adult-ed programs. She received an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University and a B.A. in American literature and journalism from Michigan State. 

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