The role of media in social change has been studied from a variety of perspectives and for different objectives. These led to theories of media and democratization, theories of development communication and social learning, theories of participatory communication, among others. Notwithstanding such interpretations, practitioners engaged in social action often feel the need to communicate the process, outcomes and learnings to a larger public. This course derives its rationale from this deepening and ever-expanding impact of media on social action. For students of the MA Development programme, acquiring the skills of public writing for traditional or newer forms of media, can be useful for several reasons. First, it helps individuals and collectivities engaged in social action to gain visibility and voice. Second, media narratives flag newer questions and concerns for inclusion in public discourse. Third, often such writing generates and widens the hope and urge for social change. Fourth, when social actions are sustained over a significant length of time, media can bring changes in attitude and behavior. Finally, claiming media space for public reason and participatory dialogue can be a way of countering polarized content and hierarchical models of communication. 

The workshop-based elective is designed to develop practical competencies of students in public writing on social action and change.