Time:             5:45 - 9:00 p.m. Th             Room: LPC

Instructor:     Dr. Barb Willard
                    Assistant Professor, Communication

Office:         589 SAC                              Phone: 773-325-2965

E-mail:         bwillard@wppost.depaul.edu

Office Hours: 9 – 10 a.m. T/R 1509 Lewis Center Loop
                    3:45 – 5:45 R 589 SAC (Lincoln Park)

Text:             Critical Thinking and Communication: The Use of Reason in Argument,
                        3^rd ed., Edward Inch & Barbara Warnick
                      One National Issues Forum Book (TBA)

    Welcome to Argumentation & Debate. In an information-based society such as our own, where our private selves become saturated with information from the public world, it is essential to learn the communication skills necessary for critical assessment of messages. Thomas Jefferson suggested that the purpose of public education should be to produce enlightened citizens for a free and democratic society. If we do not have open and responsible communication, there can be no freedom of choice, no informed decision-making, and ultimately, no truly democratic society. The purpose of this course is to provide you with the skills necessary to participate with influence and confidence in the process of public deliberation, an essential element of a successful democratic society.

    This course introduces the theory and practice of argumentation, both traditional and non-traditional. While it is helpful to be familiar with the methodological approach of traditional argumentation, it is also beneficial to be aware of the obstacles presented by that method. Keeping this in mind, we will explore traditional argumentation, feminist and multicultural approaches to argumentation, and finally cooperative and deliberative means of engaging in public debate. During this quarter we will learn how to make sense of public conflict, evaluate arguments and evidence, and build a carefully reasoned persuasive case. We will engage in a variety of learning experiences designed to develop the basic concepts and skills of effective argumentation.

1. To realize the role of public debate, deliberation, and argumentation in our society.

2. To comprehend and put into practice various forms of argument: traditional, feminist, and multicultural.

3. To build an effective argument based upon sound reasoning evidence.

4. To enhance skills in the research, synthesis, and presentation of ideas.

Classroom Policies

1. Attendance

As a discussion and performance oriented class it is essential that you attend class regularly, come on time, and stay until the end of the class. It is important that you come prepared to participate in discussion and group activities. In a sense, we all teach this class; I am simply the organizer and facilitator of our learning group. If you don’t attend regularly, continually arrive late, or leave early, we are missing a teacher!

If you are unable to attend class, you will be responsible for getting class notes, handouts, and assignments from fellow classmates. Without a valid excuse, any assignments that are turned in after the due date will have a point penalty. Failure to attend regularly will lower your grade by ten points per occurrence (unless you have a valid university excuse). There are no make-up exams unless a student has a valid university excuse.

2. Reading

You will need to do the assigned reading to prepare you for class discussion. This is a highly participatory class so you must come to class prepared to engage in our discussion and activities. Failure to read the text will harm your success in this class.

3. Academic Honesty
Plagiarism is the appropriation or presentation of someone else’s ideas, language, or designs as your own. You should be aware of the strong sanctions against plagiarism as stated in the current Bulletin and Student Handbook. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic "F" in the course. Be sure to consult with me if you have any questions about what plagiarism entails or how to acknowledge source materials and the works of others.

4. Sexual Harassment
Our classroom environment must be free of discrimination and all forms of sexual and gender harassment that diminish the dignity of or impede the academic freedom of any member of the university community. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, any unwelcome sexual advances, direct or indirect, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. If you need more information on this topic consult the Student Handbook.

*Final day to withdraw from class, October 29, 1999.
 

Two debates, two exams, and various homework assignments will determine the grade for this course.

Exams - 200 points

We will have two unit exams to test your knowledge of the readings and class discussion. The exams will consist of multiple-choice questions (50%) and essays (50%). Each exam is worth 100 points.

Debates - 200 points

You will participate in two in-class debates. The first debate will follow a traditional cross-examination process of exploring an affirmative and a negative side of a public policy. The second exam will follow a deliberative process that explores multiple perspectives on a given public policy. You will debate in teams. Each debate is worth 100 points: 50 points from my grade and 50 points from your team peer grade.

Assignments: 200 points
1. Position Paper with bibliography (Debate 2) - 50 points
    (2-3 pages excluding bibliography, double-spaced, 6 sources in the bibliography)
2. Affirmative Evidence (Debate 1) - 25 points
    (20 index cards supporting the resolution)
3. Negative Evidence (Debate 1) - 25 points
    (20 index cards rejecting the resolution)
4. Debate Outline - 100 points
    Either Affirmative Case or Negative Brief depending on your position
    (typed - following specific guidelines 5-7 pages)

All of the above assignments will be explained in further detail in advance of the due date. All assignments must be typed and turned in on the due date or you will receive a reduced letter grade for each day it is late.

The grade for this course will be determined by the following class percentage (total points divided by six):

100 - 94 - A             79 - 77 - C+

 93 - 90 - A-             76 - 73 - C

 89 - 87 - B+            72 - 70 - C-

 86 - 83 - B              69 - 67 - D+

 82 - 80 - B-             66 - 60 - D

                                59 - 0 - F
 
 

September

9 - Introduction to course and each other, Arguments & Argumentation /
    Assign Debate #1 / Work on Debate #1 /Read Chapters 1, 6, 9, 11

16 - Claims & Propositions, Case Construction, Arguing about Policy -
    Work on Debate #1 / Read Chapters 7,8

23 - Using Evidence, Using Reasoning / Work on Debate #1

30 - Debate Workshop - Evidence Cards Due & Debate Brief or Case Due

October

7 - Present Debate #1 - Review for Midterm Exam

14 - Midterm Exam (Covers Chapters 1,6,7,8,9,11)/ Assign Debate #2 -
    National Issues Forum - Purchase Book / Read Chapters 2,3

21 - Argument Contexts, Spheres & Fields, Critique of Traditional Argumentation,
    Work on Debate #2 / Read Course Packet

28 - Public Deliberation & Feminine Ways of Knowing / Work on Debate #2

November

4 - Debate Workshop - Position Paper with bibliography Due for Debate #2

11 - Present Debate #2

18 - Final Exam (Covers Chapters 2,3, Course Packet)