Writing The World Around You

When we look at the world around us, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the injustices we see, and we often forget that even one voice can make a difference. In this class, we will use writing and literature to look at important issues facing our planet including climate change, racial and economic inequities, gun violence, sexism, LGBTQ rights, and mental health awareness. We will read poetry, personal essays, short stories, and the novels The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and Dear Martin by Nic Stone to see how writers can make a difference in the world through their art. We will then write our own pieces––in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or a mix of all three––that show how we are finding our voices and standing up for what we care about. Students will engage in discussion, writing workshops, and writing exercises and will leave the course with a polished piece focused on a social justice issue of their choice.