History 1001: The Making of Today - Contemporary World History

Op-Ed Piece

Cambridge Dictionary definition: Op-ed is used to describe a piece of writing that expresses a personal opinion and is usually printed in a newspaper opposite the page on which the editorial is printed; we speak of an an op-ed article/column/page

 

Explanation of an Op-ed-- i.e. what is it? 

 

• Duke University advice on how-to. Harvard University on how-to.  Additional information is on the Syllabus. 

 

• Places to Find Topics:  CQ Researcher,   Pro-Con,  New York Times Opinion Section 

 

Letter to the Editor or Representative (Due December 1st 5pm)

In order to apply the knowledge and skills you acquire in this course, you will write and submit a “an Op Ed” piece to a newspaper or other credible opinion journal of your choice; or you will send a letter to your elected Representative. Following the method of studying present day issues through understanding the past, you will argue a position on a controversial topic in which you:

• explain the issue in context (what is the pro/con question people are arguing about?)
• state fairly the view you oppose (what they say)  
• and offer your own informed opinion as a counter position (but I say)  
• Using Pro/Con.org or CQ Researcher (below) you will master the arguments on both sides and express your own view on the debate. Aim for 1000 words single-spaced.  This is a letter, so it should be addressed to an actual newspaper or representative's office.  Use additional sources as needed.  You do not need footnotes or bibliography, but you do need hyperlinks if you are citing any online sources. 

 

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Professor Richardson's Model / in-class exercise: Cancel Culture: is it good for society?  

The Question: Is Cancel Culture (or “Callout Culture”) Good for Society?

Below you have been provided sources to carry out a research task. Your aim is to acquire an informed opinion about a disputed issue. That means knowing the definition of terms, verifiable real-world examples, empirical data or studies, and a mastery of arguments on both sides of the issue. (Yes, even if you hold strong opinions on the subject; you need to listen to and consider opposing viewpoints in order to respond to them respectfully and as persuasively as possible. 

Step One:  Create a New York Times Account Here (Use your DUC email). You will need this to access the last link below-- the NYT Opinion pieces. 

Two - Sources Introducing the Subject: 

Ronson, "How One Tweet Blew Up"   [example /anecdote to illustrate]

Why we Can't Stop Fighting about Cancel Culture [provides contemporary context about the subject]

Three - Source for Deeper Empirical Analysis:

Pew Research  [empirical data, surveys, primary source quotations about attitudes/views]

Four - Sources Containing the Main Arguments:

Cancel Culture Pro-Con  [Summarizes the pro and con arguments]

New York Times Opinion Pieces on Cancel Cultural [Other sustained arguments from various authors. You would read several of these to inform yourself about the range of opinion, and because the authors may serve as models of how to write your Opinion Letter.