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.
• 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

What Do I Do Now?

Use the PSCI 210 Library Guide!!

guides.lib.montana.edu/psci210

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