Op-Ed Assignment Brief: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Wicked Problems
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
An op-ed derives its name from originally having appeared opposite the editorial page in a newspaper. In essence, it is a column that represents the strong, informed and focused opinion of the writer with the aim to change the minds of the public or in some cases, with the intention to reshape public policies.
Topics
For this assignment, your group will write an op-ed that focuses on one of the following topics*, shaped in line with this module’s emphasis on interdisciplinary processes for a better world:
- Building food security
- Practicing environmental conservation
- Inclusive urban design
- Enabling social equality
- Live well, age well
* Please note that your group will be expected to complete GBA01 and GBA02 focusing on the same selected topic. This is meant to enable groups to build their content knowledge on particular issues across the group assignments. If you would like to change your topic, please consult your TG instructor for approval prior to doing so.
Suggested questions to guide your preparation:
- What problem does your op-ed wish to spotlight? What is one issue you think the public needs to know?
- How do we know the problem is a wicked problem? What evidence do you need to prove that your problem is wicked?
- What disciplines are implicated in the wicked problem?
- How would different disciplines view the problem? What is at stake for these disciplines?
- Are there points of convergence or divergence in the different disciplinary perspectives?