Letter to the Editor

Instructions

Writing Assignment  - Letter to the Editor maps to the following learning outcomes (course objectives):

·  apply key terminology appropriately to communicate effectively about ethnic and racial issues

·  analyze current and historical events and their impact on ethnic minorities

·  differentiate key social and political theories related to ethnic minorities in the United States

·  use sociological tools, theories, and terminology to critically evaluate ethnic and racial issues

This assignment involves examining an issue related to minorities and defending a position related to this event or issue. 

The assignment involves a letter to the editor. Here, you are expected to use the concepts discussed in your readings and in class to help prepare a letter to the editor of an imaginary journal or newspaper arguing for or against the issue. The final document should not exceed three double-spaced pages (font size 12).

Please look at the American Sociological Association (http://www.asanet.org/press/letters_to_the_editor.cfm) information about writing Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor and follow the guidelines listed there when drafting your letter.

Other resources you may want to refer to include:

The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB): http://www.ascb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=943&Itemid=408

The Washington Post – How to Send a Letter to the Editor
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ask-the-post/post/how-to-send-a-letter-to-the-editor/2011/11/17/gIQAoi7IlN_blog.html  

Instructions

·  Choose one, or at most, two, arguments to argue your point to the editor.

·  Present a summary of the event/issue.

·  Then, present your arguments for or against, along with evidence (you may use external sources for this).

·  Finally, suggest to the editor what course of action you recommend to address the situation.