The Art of Opinion Writing Online Course $0 (Usually US$99) @ Columbia University

Received an email from Columbia Plus. Nice to see something that isn't so AI or technology focussed. A useful skillset that a lot of people may need to sharpen up on after relying on AI to write your arguments for you. I always struggle with accountability when doing online courses - especially free ones - but here's hoping this can help someone! Plenty of info through the link or on previous Columbia Plus deals on how to sign up!

Transform your ideas into compelling opinion writing that cuts through the noise and makes an impact.

In a media landscape where anyone can broadcast an opinion, the ability to write one that truly matters has never been more important. Sharing a viewpoint is easy. Writing an opinion that gets published, read, and taken seriously is not.

The strongest opinion pieces do more than state what the writer thinks. They advance public debate, introduce new perspectives, and translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive arguments that resonate with broad audiences. When done well, opinion writing can challenge assumptions and shape how people understand the world.

This course is designed to help you do exactly that. Guided by Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia Journalism School and award-winning journalist, The Art of Opinion Writing teaches the craft behind impactful opinion pieces—how to choose a compelling subject, develop a focused argument, write with clarity and authority, and refine your work with an editor's eye.

Whether you work in law, medicine, public policy, education, technology, or any field where it's vital to share your knowledge or new ideas, this course offers a practical framework for bringing your expertise into public conversation. You'll learn how to write for general audiences without oversimplifying, how to balance persuasion with accuracy, and how to pitch your work to editors at leading publications.

Designed for academics, professionals, advocates, and emerging thought leaders, this course equips you with the skills and confidence to move beyond commentary and write opinions that can influence public discourse.