**Title:** “Understanding and Writing Op-Eds: A Comprehensive Approach”
**Attendance:**
– Total students present: 8 (Celia, Hamdam, Winslow, Bibi, Hajar, Hakunda, Assel, Bobur, Hafsa, Akhtan)
– Total students absent: 7 (Mesra, Sana, Bahir, Amira, Timur, Masiha, Badam)
**Topics Covered:**
*Introduction and Basics of Op-Eds*
– Brief review of the completed policy brief assignment
– Introduction to the next assignment: Op-Ed article
– Definition and purpose of an op-ed
– The role of an op-ed in policy decisions
*Writing Techniques and Understanding Audience*
– Importance of clear and accessible language in political science and policy analysis
– The importance of public engagement in policy making
– Importance of accessible language in writing
– The role of a memorable takeaway in a piece of writing
*Structuring and Formatting Op-Eds*
– The format of a successful op-ed
– Structure of an op-ed
– Understanding the formatting criteria of the op-ed
*Counterarguments in Op-Eds*
– Importance and role of counter arguments in debates and writing
– Engaging in debates and understanding different perspectives
– Discussion on competition in industries and efficiency in resource allocation
**Actionable Items:**
*Assignment Related*
– Students need to start working on the Op-Ed article assignment
– Students to select a new local issue for their op-ed assignment
– Assign students to choose a publication they would like to submit their op-ed to
– Students need to determine the policy issue, solution, framing, and publication for their op-ed
*Improvement Areas*
– Students are encouraged to turn on their cameras during class
– Students need to practice writing op-eds to engage with complicated policy issues in a way that the general public can understand
– Students should focus on persuasive rhetoric and human connection when writing op-eds
– Emphasize the importance of counter arguments throughout the assignment process
– Encourage students to read sources with contrary opinions to their own for better understanding and finding counter arguments
– Plan for a class discussion or activity to further explore the concept of counter arguments
**Homework:**
– Submission of op-eds by 1130 PM 2330
– Students who wish to receive feedback on their work are encouraged to send pieces to the professor
– Student with missed homework submissions on E-Course should email the professor to reopen submissions.