Writing and Rhetoric for Policy Audiences

This course offers hands-on learning of effective writing and presentation techniques for audiences that include policy makers, decision stakeholders, interest groups, the media, and the public. Class time will be spent learning aspects of rhetoric; analyzing multiple written genres, such as policy memo, op-ed, policy brief, and media communications; practicing presentation strategies, including elevator pitch, press conference, media interview, social media, and formal presentation; and participating in workshops and peer reviews. Course texts include sample memos, op-eds, and policy papers, as well as rhetoric handouts and videos. Students will draft, revise, and submit writing for policy audiences and compile a final portfolio. Students will also produce oral and multimedia arguments, individually and in teams. Students will be responsible for timely peer review and short presentations on course materials. Enrollment limited.