YOU MADE IT!!!!!

I am so proud of you for sticking with such a tough class--You all deserve a nice holiday break! Remember, you are not going shopping this season, you are "boosting the economic downturn" or "supporting recession recovery tactics"--

For this final blog, and please do keep in touch--I'd like to hear about one suggestion you can share with your classmates to help find the true spirit of giving, sharing and gratitude...for instance, something you or someone you admire does this time of year to get past the Halmark/mall/consumer-driven experience and reach out when it means the most to lend a hand, an ear or even a few bucks. I hope what you have learned in my class will help you speak out with confidence and stand up for others who can't speak for themselves and above all: Express yourself! Hugs--Sandra

Your Choice Non-Handout 4 Assignment

Ok--How can we make this FUN? Choose a speech, song, tv or cable episode, you tube clip, scene from a movie, sermon, even a non-verbal piece of art or a great poem...read it 5-10 times (or watch it) Then briefly  summarize it, tell me why you like or hate it, why you chose it, who created it and why it matters in your life and mine--then 

1.analyze the selection according to either your book's argument guidelines (specifically quote from and apply the Toulmin elements of evidence, claim, warrant, qualifier, rebuttal and backing)

OR

2. Analyze and critique the use of reasoning and identify fallacies by quoting them directly and using your fallacy handout to clarify which fallacies are at play. Identify 8 examples of reasoning and the fallacy associated with them in your poem, program or whatever you choose.

OR

3. Make a case (govt side--for change) against the song, program or artwork you choose--state a resolution for why it should change and identify primary inference, definition terms and stock issues.

WRAP-UP

Post any questions here on the blog so others can benefit too--Paper should be around 5 pages long and include essay format (intro-thesis, transitions, body and conclusion with review as well as references section and several intertextual citations using quotes/examples/personal experience) Colored ink and paper and creative thinking welcome, double space but front- to-back printing is fine by me 2 save trees! 12 or 14 point font please...Read from your paper the last day of class for some extra credit if you like....All your choice papers due December 10th, by email or printed out...it's your choice.....get it????? I didn't even try to do that!!!

Take Home Exam! Holiday

Hello from the road  fellow scholars and eaters of turkey or tofu! Hope you enjoy your day off and the exam is going well so far--try and finish before Thursday so you can enjoy and relax! San Diego is great! Go to the zoo here some time! Anyways, for this blog, post something fun you plan to do when the semester ends (eat, sleep, travel, hold my syllabus tightly and remember the good times...whatever) Then make an argument using an obvious fallacy to support your plans and identify the fallacy correctly (use your blue list) 

I will go first:

I plan to go to the beach when the semester ends, but hopefully I'll have my Roxy beach cover up to wear since everyone else will be wearing them. (Bandwagon Fallacy)

Ok--your turn!  

DEBATE TIME!!!!!

This is it--the big week for full-on, hard-core, graded debates--r u ready? Let's talk about style--which will you adopt--a hard-hitting agressive stance, the funny-yet-lethal -position, the "innocent objector" or even the detached debater-just-there-for your passing-grade style? Whatever style you favor, describe why you think it is effective, how you'll win over the audience and finally: what your fun plans are for Thanksgiving break? Also let me know how you felt watching me get "observed"last week? How did I do? What was my style choice? Did it work? --be gentle, I'm sensitive! LOL--Sandra

Thanksgiving 4 Vegetarians

Is tofu turkey an option? Pick a side: Meat or veggies and debate just one stock issue in honor of the founding fathers, mothers, pilgrims, Turkeys and locals we associate with this November tradition. Be sure to demonstrate respect and audience inclusiveness, don't dis the opposition, just make a claim and support it. Toulmin lives!!!!!!!!

In Brief.....VOTE TUESDAY!!!!

Hi Gang--As you work on finishing up Toulmin and developing your brief for the negative side of your proposition, think about this:

No piece of square dry paper can be folded more than 7 times in half! (http://www.strangefacts.com/facts1.html)

Find your own strange or unusual fact and post it here with a citation and then, in 5 or 6 lines, argue against the fact using debate skills such as clash, counterplan, dis-advantages and/or definition attacks--these are all the tactics which the negative team should employ during our next round of debates,and you should all use them in developing your briefs! Anticipate stock issues or just clash with your own stock issues you came up with in the case! I'll go first, let me hear some ZANY facts--Have a great Halloween everyone!!!!!! Sandra

By dry, do they mean totally moisture free or can it be damp? When something gets really small, what constitutes "half?" Exactly what is meant by "folding"--does creasing count? Besides, wouldn't one's time be better spent studying or shopping or even sleeping instead of folding all the time? Really people--what is a "piece?" anyways?????? A shred, a schard, a strip a chunk??????? This is discriminatory towards squares, implying that they can't fold as well as other shapes and I for one resent this unusual fact!!!!!!!!!!!

Story Telling as a Debate Tactic

Wow--We had fun at the debate tournament, I was really proud of everyone who came out! Everyone who cam out earned 50 points for a hard day's work! This week I want you to work on jazzing us your delivery "style" on the blog--it is easy with all the debate "steps" and procedures you have to follow to get so caught up in ill, blame, etc we forget that "style" is huge! Connecting with the audience, speaking smoothly, making eye contact, gesturing naturally, smiling and nodding, and showing passion through lively tone of voice and finally: using the best "word" choices possible! Which conclusion sounds better: 1. "We're probably right so vote for us and stop offshore drilling..."
2. OR : "After weighing the facts, I am sure you will join my team and insist that offshore drilling comes at a cost--that cost may be our children's fiutures!"

Using a storytelling style works for many good speakers, weaving a line such as the "Joe the plumber" from the last debate into a debate or speech can be effective, listener's wait through the speech to hear how the "story" turns out (you save the end of the story for the end of your rebuttal to end memorably. Think of inspirational stories that end on a note of hope--they can both start and end a good debate speech. Ok Sandra, stop droning on and on----what is the assignment for this blog??????? I want you to respond to the first line of my story with 4 or 5 lines to add on and together we shall "tell a tale" --so I will start the story and each person adds to it, one after the other, in order of who blogs next--we'll see where the story ends up. Then we'll read it in class.

Our Story begins in a small town outside of Scranton, where Danny Debater was raised by wolves. Having been abandonned in the wilderness at the tender age of 14 with only his birth certificate, a piece of cake, 2 pencils and Sandra's debate class syllabus, he was left to fend for himself. Somehow, he made it. The wolves had discovered lil' Danny one day on a sunny hill, writing out stock issues with his pencils. Armed only with his inate debate skills, Danny convinced the wolves not to eat him by stating and defending the proposition:_________________. Ok--your turn, whose next?????????? Smiles--S

Debate Torney Info For Friday 10/17 @ SCC

This should answer all your concerns about the tournament, please post any questions or ideas you have about Friday on the comments for this blog. SCC is off of the 12th St exit from Hwy 99 or the Sutterville exit from Hwy 5. Mapquest fro exact dirtections and try to carpool! --S

OVERVIEW:
You and your students are cordially invited to the Sacramento City College Intramural tournament on Friday, October 17, 2008 from 10:00 to 4:00 pm. Signs on campus will tell you where to go, we will be right next to the cafeteria in the Student Center. We are looking forward to an exciting day of debates and speeches. Students should come prepared to present in a professional, fun, friendly and competitive manner. This is a wonderful opportunity for your students to continue to refine their presentational skills outside of the classroom with other begining students.

We will meet in the student center on the SCC main campus and checking in starting at 9:45am. Debaters need to be present for check in at 10:00am. Late participants will be dropped once the first round of their event starts.

Eligibility:
Students who have NOT competed in high school, or collegiate speech and debate competition are eligible.
Students who competed in previous intramural tournaments are eligible to participate as judges, or they may compete in a different pattern. Students may only enter in one event.

Observers:
Students may come and observe events and rounds for extra credit participation. Lunch will be available for those students for a $5.00 fee. They must register to receive a lunch voucher.

Registration:
The advanced registration fee is $7.00 cash per student. The cost covers lunch, awards, and tab room supplies. The fee will be collected from students at check in. Exact change will be appreciated.

For advanced registration email me a list of competing students by Tuesday, October 14th at 1:00pm. We will have to hold strictly to the entry deadline because of high demand, limited number of critics, and competition rooms.

Late Registration
Students who are not preregistered by their instructor by the deadline may or may not be allowed to participate based on available slots on Thursday morning. Late registration will be from 9:45 am to 10:00 am. There will be an additional fee for students who are not preregistered. The cost for late registration will be $10.00.

Judging Fees
Each instructor must provide at least one judge for every 10 students or fraction there of who are competing. Faculty members will be assessed a $50.00 judging fee should they not meet this expectation. Judging fees must be paid by 10:00 am on the day of the tournament or your students will not be allowed to participate in that days event.


Final Rounds
The goal is for all final rounds to be completed by 4:00. We encourage all competitors to stay and be supportive audience members for the final rounds of speeches. Awards will be presented in the final rounds.

Critiques
Critiques will be delivered to faculty members at the end of the tournament or forwarded via campus mail on the following Monday. We encourage everyone to debrief the tournament in their classes.

1. Tentative Schedule of Events:

10:00am Registration for pattern B (Parliamentary debate)
10:00am Judges Training for Parliamentary Debate
10:15am Orientation for Parliamentary debaters and critics
10:45 am Judges Training for Platform Speeches
10:45am Round 1: Pattern B Parliamentary debate
11:00am Registration for pattern A (Impromptu, Informative, Oral Reading)
11:15am Orientation for individual event competitors
11:45am Round 1: Pattern A (Impromptu, Informative, Oral Reading)
12:00-1:30 Lunch
12:45 pm Round 2: Pattern B (Parliamentary debate)
1:45 pm Round 2: Pattern A (Impromptu, Informative, Oral Reading)
2:15 pm Finals: Pattern B (Parliamentary debate)
3:00 pm Finals: Pattern A (Impromptu, Informative, Oral Reading)4:00 pm Awards

2. PATTERN B
*Parliamentary Debate:
(All teams will be hybrids, meaning student will be paired with students from other classes to form partnerships)

A. Parliamentary Debate is a formal contest of wit and rhetorical skill which theoretically occurs in a House of Parliament. Participants are the Government and Opposition teams and the moderator is Madam or Mister Speaker of the House.
B. A resolution is a sentence or phrase which provides the subject of debate. The government team has 15 minutes to prepare a case that centers on this topic.
C. Two types of speeches exist in a round: constructive and rebuttals. The order of speakers is as follows:

Prime Minister 6 min.
Leader of the Opposition 7 min.
Member of the Government 7 min.
Member of the Opposition 7 min.
Leader of the Opposition 4 min. (rebuttal)
Prime Minister 5 min. (rebuttal)

D. The purpose of the constructive speeches is to introduce the case and arguments for and against the resolution. The rebuttal will summarize the teams’ major points and responses, and no new arguments will be permitted.

Government: the responsibility of the government is to define and defend the resolution in a manner which makes it debatable.

Opposition: the responsibility of the Opposition is to clash with the Government’s case. Clash occurs either by establishing an opposing philosophy or by a point by point analysis of the Government’s arguments.

G. Three kinds of points may rise during a debate:
1. Points of Order are breaches in parliamentary proceedings. They may count against debaters who breached procedures.
2. Points of Personal Privilege are personal assaults against a participant in the debate, offensive and tasteless assertions, or charges that a speaker is grossly misconstruing the point of their opponent. The judge will rule on whether the speaker’s comments were acceptable.
3. Points of Information are common in parliamentary debate and provide a truly interactive debate. Points of Information can only be offered after the first minute and before the last minute of a constructive speech. At his or her discretion, the member holding the floor may yield to an opponent for a Point of Information. Points of Information will not exceed 30 seconds.

To make a Point of Information, a person rises and waits to be recognized by the speaker holding the floor (the one delivering the constructive speech). If the debater holding the floor does not wish to take the point of information, he/she responds, “No thank you Sir/Madam,” at which point the opponent sits down. If the debater holding the floor wishes to take the point, he/she should recognize his/her opponent by saying “Yes, Madam/Sir.”

A choice of three topics will be offered per round. The opposition will strike first, the government second, leaving the topic to be debated.

ALL TOPICS WILL BE POLICY AND VALUE QUESTIONS, NO FACT OR METAPHOR RESOLUTIONS WILL BE OFFERED.
* Adapted from NCFA event descriptions and Intercollegiate Forensics: A Participants Handbook

3. Tournament Etiquette
DO:
· Present yourself professionally
· Be polite and courteous at all times
· Frequently check the postings and tournament schedule (there may be changes)
· Get to your round on time
· Be active listeners while others are speaking
· Plan to stay through the entire round, arriving on time and staying until the judge dismisses you
· Make sure, when you leave, that the room is in the same condition you found it (put desks back in order, erase the chalkboard, throw away trash, etc.)

DON'T:
· Don't ask the judges to reveal their decisions
· Don't walk in while someone is speaking
· Don't talk loudly outside a competition room
· Don't go to the Tab Room to find out how you did (all will be announced at awards)

Evidence of what??????

As you work on your lovely and joyful evidence assignment, you'll see that when it comes to Toulmin, most articles feature a whole lot of evidence and maybe a few or just a couple claims and frequently no warrant (remember they are usually implied). So lots of evidence,but what does it prove? That is up to you as the debater to stack your evidence (or grounds). To practice, give us a piece of evidence about a person close to you. Think about it for a minute and then tell us what this evidence actually proves about either you as their friend or them? For example: When I was visitting family in Manteca last week my brother didn't answer his phone or invite us over even though he loves to see Harper. This evidence proves that his house was a mess!

Your turn!

PS: This is how we draw conclusions! You are so smart!!!

Toulmin: Tool or Tool?

Friends and fellow debaters, we have now met and quickly become confused by our friend Toulmin and the primary and secondary triads. The real question here is: Is this a helpful tool, or was this guy just a "tool?" Flawed reasoning often reveals itself when a debater can identify the warrant in an argument which states ONLY grounds and claims (the warrant is underlying logic that allows the leap from the grounds to the claim).

For this blog
1. Carefully read chapter 5, which will help you get an A on Monday's exam too!

2. Then, after an uplifting minute or two of fond reflection back on your teacher's earth-shattering Toulmin lecture last Wednesday, Choose a song or verse of your choice and tell us what it is so we know what you're talking about.

3. Next, quote a few lines of lyrics from the song or rhyme you chose (even a kids selection or Halmark card will do).

4. Identify the grounds and the claim.

5. Reveal what the warrant probably is (usually warrants are not stated explicitly).

All valid claims rely on warrants and are backed by evidence, so no saying "my example doesn't have one!" Remember: Of the primary triad, the warrant is both most elusive and most important for a debater to be able recognize. It should be more abstract sounding than the specific nature of grounds and claim...it should sound almost too obvious to say aloud.

HINT: For warrants, think of the moral of a story, cliche sayings and things your grandparents might say to you, ie: Money doesn't grow on trees, Time heals a broken heart, money is the root of evil, cheaters never prosper...get the idea?

I'll go first: Selection: Theme Song from Barney cartoon on PBS

Grounds: I love you, you love me
Claim: We're a happy family.
Warrant: Feelings connect people.

Ok--Your turn! Smiles--S PS: TOULMIN FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!

REGISTER 2 VOTE BY OCOTBER 20TH!!!!

WATCH THE VP ELECTION THURSDAY EVENING OCTOBER 2ND AND FOR UP TO 5 POINTS OF EXTRA CREDIT, WRITE A HALF PAGE ANALYSIS ON WHO WON AND WHY USING CLASS/TEXTBOOK VOCABULARY--TELL ME ABOUT SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY TACTICS AND SMOOTH OR FAILED NON-VERBAL STRATEGIES. EXTRA CREDIT FOR IDENTIFYING TOULMIN TRIADS ON EITHER SIDE, DOUBLE IF YOU TURN IT INTO A RHYME OR A RAP. ROCK THE VOTE @ http://www.rockthevote.org/home.html

Debaters All! Obama, McCain and YOU!

How does it feel to have the first parli-debate round under your belts? You debated during such a pivotal debate season, how many of you watched the Friday night pres debate? If you missed it, watch some of it on-line or read a portion of the transcript at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080927/ap_on_el_pr/presidential_debate_quotes
or watch some at http://news.yahoo.com/i/3198;_ylt=Ahg8BcUr8dNj9KJpwJHxd61h24cA
or http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95128690
What did you think? Who do you think performed best based on what you heard or read directly from the candidates, not based on hear-say!?! What did you see in the televised debate that reminded you of our classroom debates the last few meetings? Let me know, and let's respect diverse beliefs and opposing opinions! Remember your elaboration likelyhood model: The best discourse and resolution of tough issues comes by way of direct discussion with as many voices as possible in the mix! Smiles--Sandra

Different languages,same argument!

Many of you speak 2 or 3 languages. Some of us just know several words or phrases in another language besides english. Credibility can be strengthened and persuasion enhanced when one can speak multilingually in certain audiences on specific topics! Let's get each other up to speed--state an important debate phrase or exclamation from today's parlimentary debate lecture and translate it for us into another language. Feel free to use babelfish, the free website at http://babelfish.yahoo.com/that helps you translate English and other languages. What did you learn about communication by trying this? Smiles--S

What the ???????????

What do you call 10 rabbits walking backwards?... A receding hair line. hahahaha....(Cleanjokes.com 2008).

Propositions are alot like a thesis, they set the central idea for a debate or argument and narrow the field. Sometimes they are also called resolutions. In academic debates the proposition is set ahead of time, phrased from the side of the advocate (change agent). Remember, just because you state a proposition such as: "CRC should reimburse argumentation students for parking and books annually" it doesn't mean you agree or disagree, it just sets up the debate parameters and indicates one side will argue "pro" (advocate) while one will take "con" (opposition) and argue to leave things as they are now . So.....review your notes and chapter 3 and then suggest a good proposition for a debate in our class here on the blog. Tell us why your idea is "prima facie" (why at first glance it seems reasonable and interesting). Don't repeat what someone else suggests or zero points for you! Good luck writing your first paper taking a firm position on a controversial topic in 3-5 pages with 2 citations and references due Monday! Smiles--Sandra

Coms 311: ARGUMENTATION

Syllabus Fall 2008

Instructor: Sandra Wheeler Abeyta, MA
Course: COMS 311, section 15248, Aug 23-Dec 18
Meetings: L 102 Monday and Wed from 1030am-1150
Office Hours: Mondays 10am-1030 in Fac 102 or L-102 and by appointment
Textbook: Advocacy & Opposition, 5th Ed. Rybacki & Rybacki, Allyn & Bacon

Course Description: This is a dynamic and fast-paced oral/written communication roller coaster! It is fun if you strap in safely by keeping up with your reading and assignments, but can get scary fast if you just throw up your hands and go! You'll learn to critically examine arguments, clash with opposition intelligently, analyze types of reasoning and logic and flow the interaction of live time debate. In addition you'll finesse public speaking techniques and polish your good grammar to explore useful research methods and styles.

Course Objectives:
#1: To design and relate messages clearly for effective and appropriate oral communication
• Argue for a position within the context and understanding of a specific debate format.
• Design and present an affirmative and negative debate case clearly and effectively.
• Use the library and online technologies to research debate topics and gather evidence to support negative and affirmative positions.
#2: To apply effective listening skills to comprehend spoken messages, analyze information critically and consider multiple perspectives
• Consider the audience to establish common ground in the construction of affirmative and negative arguments.
• Construct effective refutation to opposing viewpoints in a variety of debate formats.
• Assess rhetorical style differences and choose appropriate strategies for the composition and delivery of oral and written messages.

Conceptual Outline

Establish Argumental Foundation
Understand Reasoning
Understand Elements of Argument
Construct One's Own Argument
Communicate a Position to Audience Effectively
Engage in Reasoned Clash

General Course Policies
1. Attendance: Coming to class has a HUGE impact on your grade! It tells me how committed you are and conveys passion and interest. I award 5 points for each day JUST FOR COMING! Don't miss out, these points can't be made up and poor attendance will prevent you from passing this class and may result in an administrative drop.
2. Late Assignments: Assignments are due at the beginning of class. If they are not turned in at the beginning of class they will be considered late. I will accept late written assignments only with prior warning and only within one week after the original due date. Late work will be penalized one full letter grade (regardless of whether the assignment is two hours late or two days late). Exams, attendance, quizzes, partner evaluations, and presentations cannot be made up. NOTE: Speeches and presentations made on days that you show up late/leave early will be docked one half letter grade.
3. Cell Phones: Turn off your ringers please! Set them to vibrate or silent. If your cell phone continues to go off in class, I may administratively drop you for not following course procedures. Texting during class will be treated the same as talking verbally out of turn—it is disruptive and rude. You can be dropped for texting in class if it becomes disruptive.
4. Participation: A great deal of this class will involve the discussion of concepts and in-class activities. Many of the in-class activities will be given credit/no credit participation points. I expect every member of the class to fully participate.

Department/Campus Policies
Sexual Harassment:
Sexual harassment is offensive and illegal and will not be tolerated in the classroom! Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance or requests for sexual favors or any other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature in the work or college setting. Using profanity that consists of sexual innuendo or sexist language (a slur or pejorative towards a gender)are considered a "verbal" conduct that may be an unwelcome advance. If you feel that you have been the recipient or a witness of sexual harassment by any other student enrolled in the class, please report the concern immediately to the Instructor. The Instructor, the Dean or the school student conduct personnel will address a report of Sexual Harassment immediately in a confidential, professional manner.

Academic Honesty:
Los Rios Community College District values academic honesty. Current policies prohibit dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the college. All members of the academic community are responsible for the academic integrity of the Los Rios College campus. Academic Honesty Process: 1. Faculty members have the right to choose whether or not to pursue suspected cases of plagiarism and cheating.2. When addressing plagiarism or cheating with reasonable evidence, the faculty member should notify the student of the concern.3. Faculty members may consult with other faculty, the Dean of the pertinent division, and the office of the Vice President for Student Services when determining whether plagiarism or cheating has occurred.4. In situations where cheating or plagiarism has occurred, the faculty member is to determine consequences in compliance with board policy and regulations, which prohibit dropping a student from a course. The consequences may be any of the following options: giving the student a verbal or written warning, giving the student an additional assignment, giving the student a zero on the assignment assigning a grade of F for the course determining other appropriate consequences that comply with board policy and regulations.5. In situations where cheating or plagiarism has occurred, the faculty notifies the Dean of the pertinent division, and the student that a “Referral for Student Code of Conduct Violation" will be filed through the Area Dean to the Office of VPSS.6. Students have the right to grieve an action that they feel violates their student rights.7. The office of the Vice President for Student Services (VPSS) shall be responsible for maintaining records related to cheating and plagiarism. Probation, suspension or expulsions are courses of action that may be determined by the College Disciplinary Officer in accordance with District policy. Definition of Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as representing the words, ideas, or work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise. Plagiarism consists in taking the words or specific substance of another work and either copying or paraphrasing without giving credit to the source.Plagiarism is applicable to written, oral, and artistic work. The following examples are some of the many forms plagiarism may take:1. Word-for-word copying of work written by someone else.2. Failure to give proper credit for ideas, statements of facts, or conclusions derived by another.3. Failure to use quotation marks when quoting directly form another, whether a paragraph, sentence, or phrase.4. Close and extended paraphrasing of another work without acknowledging the source. Definition of Cheating: Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means.The following are only some of the many forms cheating may take:1. Copying another’s work on a test, paper, or project.2. Using unauthorized materials in an exam or collaborating on work to be turned in for credit where the instructor disallows such collaboration.3. Taking an exam for another student, purposely allowing another student to copy during a test, or providing coursework for another student to turn in as his or her own effort.4. Submitting the same work in multiple classes for credit without permission from the instructor.

Emergency and Evacuation Procedures:
In the event of an emergency, the Instructor or another authorized person may need to follow the Emergency and Evacuation Procedures established within the policy of the campus and will require your compliance and cooperation. Typically, the Emergency and Evacuation Procedures are posted within the classroom. Each of the above policies is designed for your and each persons' safety with the intent for a rewarding academic experience possible.

Required Assignments:

Performance Assignments
Practice Parli Debate 10pts
Debate 1 -50pts
Debate 2 -50 pts

3 Text Material Exams: 3 @ 30 points each - 90pts
3 Lecture Material Quizzes 3 @ 10 points each - 30pts
Final Exam: 100pts

Written Assignments
Advocacy paper - 50pts
Library Assignment (Pass/Fail for each module) - 30pts
Parli Performance Evaluation- 10pts
Evidence Assignment -50 pts
Affirmative Case Assignment- 50pts
Negative Brief Assignment - 50pts
Letter to the Editor- Ex credit up t0 16 points
Blog - 50 points
“Your Choice” - 55pts

Critiques/In-Class Assignments - 25pts

Required Assignment Point Total - 700pts

Grading Scale:
A=90%-100%
B=80%-89%
C=70%-79%
D=60%-69%
F=below 60%

Assignment Descriptions At A Glance

Advocacy Paper:
In this paper you must identify a controversial subject, and advocate a well-reasoned position. A great place to start when selecting a topic is the Opposing Viewpoints Series. This paper should be 3-5 pages in length, contain at least two pieces of cited evidence (please use APA or MLA), and utilize correct grammar and spelling. Questions I will ask as I grade this paper include: Is the topic selected appropriate? Is the thesis of this paper clear? Are the “stories” advanced by both sides in this controversy identified? Is the writer’s position clearly stated (you must take a side!)? Is the research used to support the writer’s position credible and persuasive? Are the arguments advanced logical? In general, is this paper persuasive?

Practice Debate: This assignment will be graded on a pass/fail basis (demonstrating honest effort will earn you a “pass”). This debate is a no-pressure opportunity to try your hand at parliamentary debating.

Parli Performance Evaluation: Following your first parli (“practice”) debate, write a short (1-2 pages, typed) evaluation of your performance. Consider the following questions: 1) What were the key arguments presented by the government and opposition teams? 2) Overall, which team did a better job and why? 3) What were your strengths and weaknesses as a debater? 4) What two things will you do to improve for your next debate? This assignment is due the class following your debate.

Library Assignment: Students have to visit the library website and try to attend a library instructional session. Related assignments must be completed on-line at the CRC library website. Students must complete the assignments with a grade of 70% or higher (this assignment is graded on a pass/fail basis).

Evidence Assignment: This is will serve as preliminary research for the pro and con arguments you will construct regarding your end-of-the-semester debate topic. In compiling the evidence, you’ll develop at least 20 evidence summary sheets. This assignment is a MUST DO! If you don’t complete your own packet of evidence, I won’t assign you a case/brief construction partner. See packet for more information.

Affirmative Case Assignment: This is a detailed outline of the arguments and evidence to be used when you argue the affirmative, or pro, side of your debate topic.

Negative Brief Assignment: This is a brief outline of the arguments and evidence to be used when you argue the negative, or con, side of your debate topic.

Debates 1 and 2: With a partner, you will present a complete case regarding an aspect of your debate topic, be questioned on your position concerning the case, and respond in a rebuttal to your partner’s counter-argument. Each student will receive an individual grade. Please note: You will debate both pro and con positions during the course of the semester.

Letter to the Editor (up to 16points of extra credit + 5 points of extra credit will be given to letters published in the school, or other newspaper, by the end of the semester):
Write a letter to the editor of the school paper reacting to something in the CRC Connection. Did you read something that made you angry? Happy? Annoyed? Motivated? Let the editor know your thoughts! Letter length: 200 words maximum.
Include your name and phone number somewhere so that the paper can verify author authenticity (even if you want a pen name printed in the paper).
Submission Deadline: November 1

“Your Choice”: This assignment is worth 50 possible points (If you complete two of these assignments, one will be considered extra credit).
A. Analyze a persuasive speech. Follow my handout as a guide to putline this extensive research project. This paper must be typed and 6-8 pages in length. Be sure to attach a copy of the speech text you analyzed to your paper.

B. With a partner, participate in Parliamentary Debate at the Los Rios Intramural Forensics Tournament (date: TBA). By trying your best and staying for the entire tournament, you will automatically earn all 50 points possible. If your team places 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, you will receive 10 additional extra credit points. If you do not stay for the entire tournament, you will receive no points.

In-Class Assignments: As a member of this course, you will have the opportunity to listen to a number of presentations given by your peers. During the semester, you will be asked to give constructive feedback to classmates regarding their presentations. In addition, we will be completing several assignments in class that are essential to your learning in the course.

Blog: Weekly response and virtual discussion of key terms or issues from the classroom in a real-world scenario. Log on at comstwo.blogspot.com each week before Wed. class. No make up or late blogging--5 sentence minimum entry for credit.

Week at a Glance
Week One-Meet and Greet, Add and Drop--Read Chpt. 1,2

Week 2-Mon. Holiday
Wed. Lecture Chpt 1-3, Read Chpt. 3 - Assign Advocacy Paper

Week 3-
9/8 Mon. Advocacy Paper Due, lecture on Stock issues
9/10 Wed. Stock issues quiz, lecture on parli debate, hand out exam 1

Week 4-
9/15 Mon. Quiz on Parli Debate, form debate teams, practice
9/17 Wed. Exam 1 due, practice debates, read chpt 4, 5 & 6

Week 5-
9/22 Mon. performance evaluations due, practice debates
9/24 Wed. Performance evals due,practice debates

Week 6 -
9/29 Mon. Performance evals due, practice debates, chpt 4 lecture
10/1 Wed. - choose groups, agree on prop, exam 2 study guide,
Toulmin/Chpt 5 lecture (read 6 on you own, study "tests")

Week 7 -
10/6 Mon. Discuss positions, case, breif, take exam 2, finalize prop
10/8 Wed. Library assignment, Read chpt 7-8, work on evidence cards,

Week 8-
10/13 Mon. Bring in minimum of 10 articles of evidence for check/points, Toulmin, presidential race update/discussion, Toulmin Homework
10/15 Wed. Bring in research, finish cards, Toulmin Due, Read Chpt 9-10

Week 9 -
10/20 Mon. Evidence due, cross examinations discussed and practiced
10/22 Wed. Bring research, decide on debate teams, work on case/briefs

Week 10 -
10/27 Mon. Case Due Read Chpt 11-12
10/29 Wed. Reasoning, create debate schedule, assign brief details,

Week 11 - Election: VOTE!
11/3 Mon Brief due, fallacies explained, in-class work
11/5 Wed. Quiz 3 on fallacies,prep for 1st debate

Week 12 -
11/10 Mon. Holiday
11/12 Wed. Debate 1

Week 13 -
11/17 Mon. Debate 1
11/19 Wed. Debate 1

Week 14 -
11/24 Mon. Exam 3 Due, Debate 2 (Georgine?)
11/26 Wed. No class held, see blog for assignment

Week 15-
12/1 Mon Debate 2, Your Choice Paper due
12/3 Wed. Debate 2, hand out study guide for final

Week 16 -
12/8 Mon Debate 2
12/10 Wed Study for final

Week 17 - Comprehensive Final on Monday, 12/15. bring scantron 882