Identify a sexuality issue that has been covered recently by a local or national newspaper, e.g., on sex education (e.g.
abstinence-only or comprehensive sex educ.), stem cell research, cloning, pornography, sex on the Internet… Draft a 250-800 word letter to the editor – a classic “Op Ed.” The issue/article chosen will determine the point/goal of the letter, e.g., taking issue with the coverage of a topic, or asking readers to consider another perspective. Students will not be graded on their point of view, rather how they support it, giving at least 2 solid arguments (rationale) for their opinion based on evidence-based facts and scholarly, primary research; citations (including in-text for our purposes) are required.
You can support your stance by citing research, quoting an organization/taskforce, using theory, etc… Basically, you’re an advocate for your cause – you’re letting your voice be heard!
Include a heading with a place for my address, the date, and the paper’s address. Grab your reader right away with a hook. In the first sentence or two, address your topic. Don’t be long-winded getting into it. These people are busy.
Provide 2 references/statistical info. as citations at the bottom of your letter, in the proper format for your area of study, e.g., APA for psychology majors. This needs to include the citation for the original article you’re responding to. Depending on your topic, you may not have that much to work with. See what you can do.
End your letter politely, e.g., “cordially”, “sincerely” etc…
Note: you don’t need to explain that you’re doing this for a class assignment. If it’s done well, I hope that you will send it. Keep it to a page or two (anything longer than that will be too long for them). Make sure it’s a sexuality- or gender-related topic.
