Citizen, Writer: Prague

Catalog description

It's said the pen is mightier than the sword; this course will introduce skills needed to make that true. In our world of tangled problems, writing confidently, creatively, and persuasively can empower your participation as a citizen concerned with finding solutions toward equality, justice, and the civic discourse essential to bettering humanity. Drawing from a multidisciplinary perspective, focused on global issues but rooted in the historical context of Czechia, students in this J-term course at NYU Prague will study and practice multiple formats, experience the value of discourse and debate, and think strategically to engage via traditional or social media. Prague's rich history will offer many lessons from its quest for freedom, from Vaclav Havel's creative writings and the Velvet Revolution, to the role of rock and roll music and the subversive graffiti of the Lennon Wall, and much more. In addition to site visits and guest speakers, our class will draft personal manifestos, craft opinion pieces, and build a collaborative project focused on foundational civic issues that can empower you and other would-be citizen-writers. This course will be offered in June-Term 2026. This course will be taught at NYU Prague and will count as an Away J-Term course.