Comm 311: Argumentation and Debate
When? Spring 2011, T/TH 10:30am-11:50
Where? M 200
Instructor: Sandra Wheeler Abeyta
Email: wheeleS@crc.losrios,edu
Blog: http://comstwo.blogspot.com/
Office: CVPA 102
Office Hours: T/TH 8:30am-9am in M 200
Prerequisite: English 300 (with a C or better)
Course Materials:
• Mauk, John and Metz, John. (2009). Inventing Arguments. Boston: Wadsworth.
• 3 exam forms (882)
Course Description:
This exciting yet challenging course introduces students to argumentation, critical evaluation of evidence, and reasoning in the context of debate. Mastery here will unlock doors personally, academically and professionally! In addition to the oral communication requirement, a series of writing assignments will focus on the skills of critical thinking, rhetoric, and the sophistication of argumentative skills. Intended as a practical course, the fundamentals of proposition analysis, case building and dissent are discussed and applied within written communication and oral presentation.
Student Learning Outcomes:
COMPOSE IDEAS CLEARLY IN EFFECTIVE, APPROPRIATE AND WELL-ORGANIZED WRITTEN MESSAGES
• Use advanced lower-division composition: essay structure, continuity, elements of style, grammar as a stylistic technique, clarity, coherence, concision, persuasive essay and sophisticated writing skills that consider the reader as audience.
• Distinguish and evaluate the viability of different types of arguments.
• Compose arguments cogently in a number of modes, including but not limited to making proposals (propositions), providing evaluation, and explanation of positions and the existence of causal, analogical, and/or correlation relationships.
ANALYZE AND FORMULATE CRITICAL THINKING WITHIN EVIDENCE AND REASONING OF SPOKEN AND WRITTEN MESSAGES
• Understand the nature of critical thinking and quality composition.
• Apply the theoretical foundations for argument analysis and construction of induction, deduction, analysis, synthesis, sound reasoning, and fallacy identification within the readings and writing of debate cases and argumentative communication messages.
• Differentiate the nature and function of argumentation in various communication contexts.
• Assess rhetorical style differences and choose appropriate strategies for the composition of delivery of oral versus written argument.
• Critique written and oral arguments using Aristotle’s classical structures of reasoning and contemporary elements of argument (such as Stephan Toulmin’s model).
• Analyze competing points of views of subjects and determine the stances of the authors on the subjects as well as to express individual stances logically and effectively on the subjects.
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.
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.
ASSESS INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY WITHIN ONE’S ABILITY TO INFLUENCE ETHICAL, EFFECTIVE AND APPROPRIATE COMMUNICATION AMONG DIVERSE SETTINGS AND PEOPLE
• Appreciate the importance of ethics in controversy.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior in the research, construction and delivery of arguments.
• Employ, evaluate and interpret various research materials to accurately document sources (in oral and written form) according to a standard referencing style (MLA, APA, CBE, etc.).
DEFINE AND IDENTIFY VARIOUS THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ACROSS THE DISCIPLINE OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES
• Define and identify various theoretical models of argumentation.
• Identify messages within argumentation and rhetoric and their theoretical approaches as they exist in a variety of communication contexts
Required Assignments:
Performance Assignments
Practice Parli Debate (Pass/Fail). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 ______
Debate 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 50 ______
Debate 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 ______: 125
2 Exams: 2 @ 50 points each . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 ______
2 Lecture Material Quizzes 2 @ 15 points each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 ______
Final Exam: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 ______ : 230
Written Assignments
Advocacy paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 ______
Parli Performance Evaluation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 ______
Evidence Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 ______
Affirmative Case Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...50 ______
Negative Brief Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 ______
Blogging………….... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 ______
“Your Choice” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 ______
Critiques/In-Class Assignments (variable). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 ______ : 345
Required Assignment Point Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700 ______
Grading Scale:
A=90%-100%
B=80%-89%
C=70%-79%
D=60%-69%
F=below 60%
Assignment Descriptions At A Glance
Blogging:
Each week you’ll need to log onto arg-YOU-mentation, (http://comstwo.blogspot.com/) our class blog, for discussion based on the reading and apply argumentation concepts to real-world scenarios. On the weeks that new material is assigned, we’ll use the blog for question/answer and to help and support each other.
Advocacy Paper:
In this MLA or APA college level term paper you must identify a current and controversial subject, and advocate a well-reasoned position either FOR or AGAINST the issue. Choose either A). An issue of the Opposing Viewpoints Series or B.) An essay from your textbook that is interesting to you. Paper should be 4-5 pages in length, contain at least 3 intratextual references to properly cited evidence or quotations (see APA or MLA style guides OR owlpurdue.com), and utilize correct grammar and spelling as well as an alphabetical reference list at the end. Include a clear thesis, a bold attention getter and make reasonable claims supported by strong evidence. Explain what the “stories” advanced by both sides in this controversy are. Write in first person to take a side and use credible research to be persuasive as well as logical.
Practice Debate: This first debate assignment will be graded on a pass/fail basis (demonstrating honest effort will earn you a “pass”).
Parli Performance Evaluation: 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.
Evidence Assignment: This is will serve as preliminary research for the pro and con arguments you will construct regarding your debate topic. In compiling the evidence, you’ll develop at least 20 evidence summary sheets, 10 pro and 10 con. It is possible to use each article for both a pro and con point, meaning you’ll need between 10 and 20 research articles total. Finding articles that provide both sides of the issue (Library journals, Opposing Viewpoints) will be the most efficient way to gather evidence. Assignment is mandatory, failure to complete it typically results in course failure. If you don’t complete your own evidence, I won’t assign you a case/brief construction partner.
Affirmative Case Assignment: This is a detailed outline of the arguments and evidence to be used when you argue the affirmative, ‘government’ 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, opposition 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.
“Your Choice”: This assignment is worth 50 possible points; students must choose between the following options:
A. Read Chapter 13 and 14 in your text and prepare an in-depth Toulmin analysis by drawing on the essay’s that comprise this chapter, write an MLA style term paper in which you 1) identify salient issues related to culture and gender; 2) discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the claims and identify fallacies in the argument; 3) Uncover and analyze several of the warranting assumptions implied in the ad on p. 612; and 4) This paper must be typed and 6-8 pages in length.
B. Compete in a Novice-Level Parliamentary Debate at CRC, tournament date: 5/6/11 from 9am-3pm. 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. Cost: $5.00, which includes lunch.
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.
Course Policies, Procedures, and Courtesies
Attendance: My policy is to allow three (3) absences for sickness and/or emergency. For each additional absence, I will subtract 10 points from your final grade. A large portion of this class is based on group participation, therefore, it is imperative that you attend regularly. You can fail this class due to poor attendance!
In addition, the tentative course schedule does not allow for flexibility in rescheduling presentations/debates. No make-ups will be granted without a medical excuse or my prior permission.
Assignments: Each assignment will be turned in at the beginning of class the day it is due. Assignments turned in after class on the due date are considered late. Late assignments will be penalized 10% of the total points (a full letter grade). No assignments will be accepted after one week beyond the due date. All assignments must be typed and proofread for errors. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and writing style will be considered in evaluation of all written work.
Announcements/changes: You are responsible for being aware of, and adapting to, any announcements/decisions made in class concerning changes in due dates, speeches, and schedules.
Cell Phones: Please turn off cell phones in class. Do not text in class. If you have an emergency please let me know before class begins that your cell phone might disrupt class. If your cell phone continues to go off in class, or if you are caught sending text messages, I will administratively drop you for not following course procedures.
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 CRC student conduct personnel will address a report of Sexual Harassment immediately in a confidential, professional manner. See crc.losrios.edu for details.
Academic Honesty
Cosumnes River College 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 Cosumnes River College campus.
CRC Academic Honesty Process
CRC’s process with regard to plagiarism and cheating is available on CRC’s website @ www.crc.losrios.edu. Course syllabi should reference the 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 Disciplinary Officer of the College, 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. See losrios.edu for details and examples.
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. See losrios.edu for details and examples.
Please save an electronic copy of all written work. If plagiarism is suspected, I will submit your paper to turnitin.com for proof of authenticity.
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. See www.losrios.edu
