Thursday nights, 7:10 – 9:00pm
Writing for MDGs and NGOs is a multi-skill writing course focused on diverse global issues. Although this course uses the UN examination system as a basis for its training and methods, it is for anyone interested in improving their writing skills as well as deepening their knowledge of issues. After a review of background readings, we will focus on different methods to write about and address the issues. The class will include presentation, discussion and speed writing activities. There will be weekly reading assignments and everyone is expected to actively take part in discussion. Each week participants will be asked to do some writing either at home or in class.
Course Format: This course will be run in workshop format - with limited presentation while relying mostly on group discussion, pair work and writing activities.
Language: All materials, discussion and presentation for this course will be in English.
Coursework: There will be weekly reading assignments, which will form a base for class activities and class discussion. All participants are expected to take part in discussion, group work, and project work. Class participants are expected to complete readings and/or other course work even if absent.
Evaluation: Participants will receive a pass if they fulfill the criteria for passing:
70% in attendance, class preparation, active class participation, and completing papers.
Course outline – Note: this is subject to change
Contents - Issues / Skill sets & assignments
Class 1 Introductions, class outline / Self introduction – PPT and paragraph
Class 2 Overview of paragraphs / MDG intro / Paragraph and essay construction
Class 3-4 Basic Health: getting information out / Fact sheets, fliers and intro material development
Class 5-6 Human rights: Letter writing campaigns / Writing to the editor, to government officials, to leaders in other nations
Class 7-8 Community based projects / Reporting from the field, reports from HQ to the public
Class 9-11 Creating a new project / Action/business plan, grant proposal writing
Class 12-13 Working with the media / Press releases, media advisories
Class 14 Final writing packet submission and discussion
