COMM 2150 Argumentation

This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for studying the principles of argumentation through understanding fundamental argumentation theories and the foundations of structuring propositions. Successively, emphasis will be on the ability to distinguish between proposition and claim types, the development of informal logic, strategies for research, the capacity to distinguish acceptable for spurious evidence, and case construction. Practical application will result with the students successfully creating an effective speech presentation generating belief and conviction. (3 lect.)

Credits

3 credits

Transfer Status

Equivalent to UW.

Major Topics

Argumentation Theories
- Karl Wallace
- Stephen Toulmin
- Walter Fischer
Structuring Propositions
Proposition and Claim Types
Issues and Cases
Evidence and Spurious Evidence
Research and Academic Debate Guidelines
Technologies of Academic Debate
- Flow Sheeting
- Signposting
- Road Mapping
Terminology
- Argumentation Terms
- Debate Vocabulary
Presenting Arguments
- Contentious Environment
- Academic Debate Setting
- Non-academic Debate Setting

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. List and define basic argumentation terms

2. List, define, and apply academic debate vocabulary

3. Identify, explain, and apply different argumentation theories

4. Apply the foundations of structuring propositions

5. Distinguish proposition and claim types

6. Explain the burdens for each claim type

7. Apply form and structure of issues and cases

8. Distinguish acceptable evidence from spurious evidence

9. Apply research to academic debate guidelines

10. Demonstrate the fundamental technologies of academic debate by using a: Flow Sheeting, Signposting, Road Mapping

11. Present arguments in a contentious environment

12. Apply the principles of argumentation beyond the setting of academic debate

Other Information

Any information placed here must be adhered to by all instructors:

Please contact the on-campus instructor for the current textbook. Additional Readings: Fischer, Walter. "Narration as a Human Communication paradigm: the Case of Public Moral Argument." Communication Monographs. ( March 1984): 2-22. Follette, Charles. "Argumentation and Advocacy." Unpublished: 1-45. Wallace, Karl. "The Substance of Rhetoric: Good Reasons." QJS. (1963)