social action writing: creating internet content

course dates: july 20 to august 2, 2021

application deadline: may 10

Apply Now

Whether via creative or expository writing, internet content can change the world. As internet influencers have taken the spotlight, it's become clear that internet activism is anything but routine and ineffective. If you have a message--or even if you don't yet--it is important to know how to get it out there. This course focuses on the short essay, including creative writing, opinion/editorial, and expository writing. You'll work with professional freelance writers who make a living creating internet content, and youth activists whose work is changing lives NOW. In this course, you'll write essays, learn to "pitch" your work, and actually make a submission for publication during our course (yes!). You'll also turn essay content into a compelling online video or meme.

Organize ideas and concepts into essay themes that have a specific audience and intended effect.
Understand the differences between various short essay forms, including personal essay, expository essay, opinion/editorial, etc., and when to best employ each for a specific topic and audience.
Write short essays in at least two formats and edit them for potential publication.
Understand how to research the market and pitch a short essay to online publications (some of which pay writers, others don't).
Use your writing skills to create internet content in one of the following genres: video essay, zine, or webinar.

By the end of the course, students will have pitched their own work to at least three online markets for potential publication. (In past Summer Arts courses, some students have even seen their work published before the course is over!)

COURSE NUMBER/CREDITS

Undergraduate: ENGL 421, 3 units
Graduate/post-baccalaureate: ENGL 621, 3 units

MATERIALS FEE

None

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Anyone interested in online journalism, anyone with a message to share, anyone who wants to learn how to write for an audience and have an impact! Undergrads, grads, and community activists are welcome!

HOW TO APPLY

Prepare a statement of interest and a writing sample of up to 1000 words (yes, word count matters!). Any writing style or form is acceptable.
Submit/upload the materials listed in step one when you apply online by May 10, 2021.

COURSE COORDINATOR

Kimberly Dark
(619) 708-8115

Guest Artists

Melissa Fabello

As a digital creator, Melissa develops online content – in the form of articles, graphics, videos, and more – to challenge others to unpack oppressive ideology around food, bodies, and beauty. Known for being both no-nonsense and witty on Twitter and Instagram, she warmly, but firmly invites followers into hard conversations around wellness.

Melissa’s work rose to prominence during her five years as Managing Editor of Everyday Feminism. She received her PhD in Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University, and is author of the groundbreaking ebook, Appetite: Sex, Touch and Desire in Women with Anorexia. With work recently named “smart” by Bon Appétit and “the future of health media” by Healthline, Melissa brings a fresh perspective to discussions on body politics.

Raquel Reichard

Raquel Reichard is an award-winning journalist and editor whose work focuses on Latinx culture, politics, music and identity. As a writer, she centers oft-overlooked communities and stories, while as a speaker, she helps young and emerging writers and creatives of color break into the media industry and succeed in their professional lives. Raquel holds a master's degree in Latinx news media and a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science.