Syllabus

CMM 310  Argumentation & Debate

Fall 2009

Dr. Kristine Greenwood

SH 247

(O)  696-6788                                                                                                                          

(H)  525-6669

E-mail  Greenwoo@Marshall.edu

Office Hours

M   9-10, 1-2   W  9-11, 1-2

TR   11-12,   1-2

Other by appointment

Course Description:  Basic principles of argument and debate: practice in debate and discussion

Textbook:  Critical Thinking and Communication:  The use of reason in argument.  Inch, Warnick, 6^th Edition.

Course Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1.         identify types of claims

2.         formulate constructive propositions

3.         find and identify suitable evidence

4.         identify common fallacies

5.         develop arguments to support or refute claims using appropriate forms of reasoning

6.         construct effective affirmative and negative cases.

7.         engage in reasoned oral debate

Assignments

Written & Oral

Affirmative Value case                                      100 points

Affirmative Policy case                                      100 points

Negative Briefs for Value debate                                   100 points

Negative Briefs for Policy debate                                  100 points

3 Value debate propositions                                            30 points

3 Policy debate propositions                                           30 points

Exams

Unit One exam  Chapters 1,2,4,8                                    60 points

Unit Two exam Chapters 5,6,9,10,11                             60 points

Final Exam Comprehensive  Chapters 1-11                   100 points

Attendance Policy:  Students are expected to attend all classes. Students are required to attend all oral debates.  10 points will be taken off for all absences during those debates with the exception of University Excused absences.

Grading Policy:

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

Tentative Schedule

August

25        Into to Course

27        Chapters 1 & 2

September  

1          Chapter 4

3          Chapter 8

8          Unit One Exam

10        Chapter 5

15        Chapter 6

            Resolutions Due

17        Chapter 9

18        Chapter 10

24        Value Debates

            Affirmative Cases &

            Negative Briefs due on

            day of debate

29        Value Debates

October

1          Value Debates

6          Value Debates

8          Value Debates

13        Value Debates

15        Value Debates

20        Chapter 11

22        Chapter 11

27        Chapter 11 & review

29        Unit two exam

November

3          Policy Debates

            Cases & Briefs due

             on day of debate

5          Policy Debates

10        Policy Debates

12        Policy Debates

17        Policy Debates

18        Policy Debates

Thanksgiving Break

December

1          Chapter 3

3          Chapter 7

8          Exam Review

10        Final Exam  Thursday Dec. 10 @ 2:45 pm.