Opinion/Policy-Making Editorial Assignment

Opinion/Policy-Making Editorial Assignment: This assignment ascertains key rhetorical and persuasive abilities applied to a particular narrow issue of public policy of direct concern to you. It tests your ability to frame an issue with both

Cogency and balance, argue with empirical support, avoid logical fallacies albeit employing pathos and ethos, and importantly argue for policy recommendations targeted to a specific audience. Using the effective techniques from serious mass or professional media (e.g. The Wall Street Journal), or from advocacy organizations (e.g. the NRA), the student will compose a 3-4 page double-spaced document supporting or opposing a specific corporate or public sector policy. You have the option of composing an editorial for the media or a memorandum for a senior executive which briefs this person on how to address or approach a particular issue (e.g. "damage control", public relations issue, etc.)