Topic- Texas Constitution
The “op-ed”, or opinion paper, is a classic form of essay which is meant to express well-informed, well-articulated opinions for publication in the editorial pages of newspapers. Op-eds are subjective pieces and reflect the author’s personal opinion on a particular topic, but the author is responsible for backing his/her opinions with facts and evidence. A well-written op-ed must be concise while still being comprehensive. To complete the op-ed assignment, students are required to write a critical opinion piece on a topic of their choice which must be relevant to Texas Government and Politics. Op-eds are expected to be 750-1000 words in length, double-spaced, written with Times New Roman, 12-point font.
Category: Texas history
Analyzing an Historical Debate For this assignment, you will analyze an historical debate over an issue of your choice from Texas History. You will need to find at least two opposing perspectives on that issue. Sources should be peer-reviewed articles or books: These sources can be a historiographical work, primary sources, secondary sources, or a combination of these. They can be articles or books or various formats of primary sources (i.e., newspaper article, law, journal)
Part I. Introduction 1. Describe in general the issue that is debated: For example, you may analyze the importance of this issue important to the culture, economics, political system, or social structure at the time.
Part II. Historical Debate 2. What is the main argument in each perspective? On what points do they agree or disagree? 3. Analyze the evidence that is provided to support each thesis: What types of evidence are used? Does the evidence support the thesis?
Part III. Conclusion 4. How did the reading(s) change the way in which you understood the subject? 5. How are the issues presented in the reading(s) still relevant to you today? Please explain how your personal background and life experiences might influence your perspective on this topic? 6. Imagine that you have been asked to tackle a current national or global issue. How would you use the readings to help you do so?