Op-Eds And Explainers
This unit focuses on two popular genres of public writing: explainers and op-eds. We will discuss the goals and structures of both genres, to help you determine if one of them might be a good fit for you. We will also help you identify points of entry into public conversations (“docks”), such as current events, anniversaries, holidays and other news hooks. We end with an applied learning exercise that will help you draft and pitch an op-ed or explainer based on your research.
OBJECTIVES
Understand goals and structures of op-eds and explainers
Learn to identify points of entry (“docks”) in the public conversation
Draft a pitch for an op-ed or explainer based on your research
HOW TO WRITE FOR…
Religion News Service (mostly op-ed)
The Conversation (explainers only)
The Revealer (both)
Religion Dispatches (both)
WAYS TO LEARN
We’ve designed this training curriculum so you can get the entire content of a lesson just by listening to that lesson’s podcast episode on the audio player below. You can listen all at once, or click on the “list” icon to use chapter markers to navigate to a specific part of the conversation.
If you prefer a multimedia approach to learning, you can watch a slideshow version of this content.
You’re also welcome to simply read through the transcript for this episode.
However you choose to learn, we encourage you to pause and reflect when prompted to do so, and to take notes to share with your fellow trainees, if and as that’s possible for you.
And don’t forget to check the top of this page for essential resources, and the bottom of the page for additional resources.
LISTEN & LEARN
Read this episode’s transcript.
GUEST VOICES
WATCH & LEARN
READ & LEARN
Read the transcript of this episode’s podcast.
APPLIED LEARNING Exercise: Pitch an Op-Ed Or Explainer
Select an article, chapter, conference or seminar paper you have written that relates somehow to a current event, or to foundational concepts in the study of religion that you’d like to address in public.
Think about whether your idea is more persuasive (so a good fit for an op-ed) or more explanatory (so a good fit for an explainer).
Then, following the advice in this module, draft a pitch for an op-ed or explainer about your topic. See the top of this page for pitch guides and sample pitches.
Remember to think through T.A.G. R3! Clearly identify the core topic, the audience you’d like to reach, and your goals for this piece. Carefully consider the potential risks, rewards, and responsibilities connected to writing an op-ed or explainer on this topic.
If possible, workshop your pitch with your colleagues. Be sure to let them know whether you would prefer strictly positive or constructively critical comments.
For extra credit, use one of the pitch guides we’ve provided and pitch your piece to an actual editor!
DISCUSSION PROMPTS
We encourage you to discuss the following topics and questions with your colleagues:
Brainstorm topics you would like to engage with, or public conversations you would like to enter. What is it that YOU bring to these conversations?
Which of these topics get you fired up and ready to persuade your readers in an op-ed?
What sorts of public misunderstandings about religion would you like to correct? How can your research or training help explain religion to non-specialists?
What kinds of events could you tie your writing to? News? Public culture? Holidays and anniversaries?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Keyword glossary
Examples discussed in podcast:
Brett Krutzsch, “Brebeuf Alum: School’s Decision to Retain Gay Teacher Nothing Short of Monumental,” Indianapolis Star. June 25, 2019
Brett Krutzsch, “We Still Mourn Those Killed at Pulse. But Can We Celebrate LGBTQ Life Too?” Washington Post. June 11, 2021
Ambre Dromgoole, “Pastor Mary Cosby, Arranged Pentecostal Marriages, and the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” The Revealer, Feb. 4, 2021
Ambre Dromgoole, “What Breonna Taylor and Sister Rosetta Tharpe Taught Me About Black Women and Friendship,” The Revealer, Nov. 12, 2020