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Communication 311
Argumentation & Debate
Sacramento City College
Course Outline
Instructor: David Fabionar
Office Phone: 558-2558
Office: PAC 135E
Office Hours: After class
Text: Crossman, Mark R., Burden of Proof: An Introduction to Argumentation, Thomson
Publishing, Latest Edition.
Email: [email protected]
You will also need:
*Argumentation assignment course pack
*Internet access
CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the role of argument in public discourse. Students develop
presentational skills necessary for public advocacy. Assignments include researching, preparing
and presenting sound arguments, as well as developing strategies for refuting others arguments.
Students will explore areas of social, economic, and political controversy through the format of
academic debate.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Articulate an understanding of the history of argumentation and debate.

Synthesize the nature and function of argumentation in various contexts.

Construct and deconstruct arguments according to the Toulmin model.

Diagnose and avoid fallacies in written, oral, and visual arguments.

Construct, deliver, and evaluate a variety of oral, written arguments using stock issues
and negative strategies (including argument presentation, refutation, rebuttal and crossexamination).

Create and deliver persuasive messages that demonstrate adaption to audience attitudes,
values, beliefs, and preferences.

Utilize strategies to minimize communication apprehension.

Identify and use ethical principles in argumentation and debate.

Demonstrate individual responsibility, integrity, respect, and influence to effectively and
appropriately communicate with diverse people.

Recognize and avoid plagiarism.

Identify and demonstrate effective and appropriate written communication skills utilizing
research in the construction of cases and briefs.
COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance: Consistent attendance will greatly increase the probability of achieving a high
grade. If you miss one class during the first week, you will be dropped. Because this is a shortterm class, you will not be able to miss more than one class without being dropped. Early
departures and late arrivals will subject you to being dropped as well. I will take attendance and
offer activity points nearly every day we meet. If you take part in the entire activity, you will earn
the points. Activities vary throughout the semester (quizzes, group projects, presentations,
critiques etc.). If you miss class, you will not be able to earn the participation points. You must
participate from start to finish in order to receive the assignment credit.
Cooperative Community: I want this class to function as a cooperative community of people.
As a community member, you need to behave responsibly both individually and to your group.
This means that if you miss a class you are responsible for the material missed. I urge you to find
a “course partner” the first week with whom who you can exchange contact information. Ask this
person to look for you each day in class, and tell him or her that you’ll do the same. When a
partner misses class, pick up an extra handout for her and have him do the same for you. Call
your partner to find out what was missed and don’t let them get away with saying, “We really
didn’t do anything today.” Use the same courtesy when working with your group members.
Electronic Communication Devices: A pet peeve of mine! Interruptions from cell phones etc.
will not be tolerated! Leave your phones at home or turn off the ringer. I reserve the right to
subtract the day’s activity points if there is a disruption. Additionally, if you are planning
to use a laptop, please sit in the front row.
Grade Discussion: I believe that you all have the right to appeal any grade or point allocation
you believe you were unfairly given. In part, an argumentation class should teach you to question
authority and not I, nor any other instructor should be exempt from your freedom to question.
However, I will not discuss a particular grade with you on the day I hand it back. If you wish to
contest a grade I will accept a written argument detailing the injustice. The appeal will be due
one week after the assignment had been given back to you.
Plagiarizing/Cheating: I follow the departmental policy on plagiarism. Anyone caught cheating
or plagiarizing in this course will be subject to failure of the entire course not just the assignment
in question.
Chronic Tardiness/Leaving Class Early: If you are chronically tardy, or always need to leave
early then drop this course and take it when your schedule allows you to be here the duration of
class time. If you are tardy on a day someone is delivering a speech, you must wait quietly
outside the door until you hear applause. Please don’t interrupt!
Late Assignments: Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period and will not be
accepted thereafter. If you sign up for a presentation day and you miss it, YOU MAY NOT
MAKE IT UP. Please don’t waste the entire classes’ time by failing to follow through on your
commitment.
ASSESSMENT:
Tests: The material in this class is not necessarily difficult; however, there is a great deal of it.
The tests are intended to keep you on track. The tests will primarily be multiple choice and short
answer questions. This form of assessment will help me determine if someone is having trouble
keeping up. The tests will also help you remember the key concepts and terms.
I will let you know ahead of time if this format changes.
Final: The final is comprehensive, but I will always provide a review and a study guide to focus
your studying. Typically, the type of questions asked are multiple choice, true-false and short
answer. I will let you know ahead of time if this format changes.
Debates: Students will participate in a series of debates based primarily on a
Policy/Parliamentary debate format. The debates will require research on a specific topic, and
debaters will be expected to incorporate a minimum of 5 pieces of printed evidence into the
debate as support for their arguments. Students will prepare for the final debate assignment as a
team. They will be responsible for completing research and constructing arguments both for and
against a particular position. Grades for the debates will be based on individual performance.
Dialogue Presentation:
Students will give a “dialogue” presentation that will offer an alternative format of public
discourse that addresses the shortcomings of the traditional debate structure. Students will
research, organize, and present material in a way that de-emphasizes competition and polarized
debate. Students will have more latitude in structuring the presentations. For example, your
presentation may take the form of a political discussion around a dinner table, a community
mediation, or a discussion in a coffee house. You select the format, as long as multiple sides are
discussed, and common ground is identified.
Evidence card and outline assignment: For each debate (you will participate in two) you will
be required to turn in 10 evidence cards and two outlines. Your evidence cards will consist of a
highlighted article stapled to an evidence “card” that contains a series of questions regarding the
article you have attached. You will turn in five evidence cards in support of the resolutions and
five evidence cards opposing the resolution. Additionally, you will turn in one outline of your
case supporting the resolution (pro) and one outline of your case against the resolution (con).
Fallacy Scrapbook: You will be required to identify ten different examples including at least
five different fallacies among a variety of media in an effort to create a “scrapbook.”
The media should include newspaper articles, advertisements, websites, magazine articles,
political cartoons and comic strips, and direct marketing (junk mail).
Grading
3 tests @ 30 points each
Evidence card assignment #1
Evidence card assignment #2
Outline #1
Outline #2/Script
Debate #1
Debate/Presentation #2
Fallacy scrapbook
Activity points
Total
I grade on a straight scale:
300- 270=A
269- 240=B
239- 210=C
209- 180=D
Below 180=F
90
30
30
10
10
30
30
20
50
300