Writing an Op-Ed Piece
PSCI 210 - Introduction to American Government
Who Am I?
Doralyn Rossmann
Political Science Librarian
BA - Poli Sci & English, MSLS, MPA (from here at MSU!)
Twitter
@doralyn
Email
doralyn@montana.edu
Why Does What I Say Matter to You?
- Resources
- Better resources
- Save time
- Higher quality result
- Personal assistance
Today We Will
- Review your assignment
- Define an op-ed
- Look at the library guide
- Example op-eds
- Scholarly information
- Think tanks
- Evaluating information
Your Assignment
Write an op-ed piece on one of the following topics:
- Thesis 1: The Constitution should be amended to provide for term limits for members of Congress in both houses.
- Thesis 2: The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United has been beneficial for democracy.
- Thesis 3: Congressional earmarks should be banned.
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Thesis 4: The United States should adopt multimember congressional districts with seats apportioned proportionally according to the number of votes cast.
- Thesis 5: Campaigns do not affect election outcomes .
**SIX ACADEMIC SOURCES ARE REQUIRED**
What is an Op-Ed?
Definition: a newspaper page devoted to signed articles by commentators, essayists, humorists, etc., of varying viewpoints
History and Abbreviations: short for opposite editorial. First Known Use: 1970
Source: op-ed. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/op-ed
Tips
Draw a concept map
Try your arguments on your roommates, friends
Don't cite your sources in the paper, use footnotes
Think of alternate words to describe your topic
Try a book chapter!
Don't Forget
You can ask me for help:
Twitter
@doralyn
Email
doralyn@montana.edu
