Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	04/28/2023
Top Code	150600 - Speech Communication
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)	CL Option 1 Basic Subjects (CA1)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)	CSU A3 Critical Thinking (A3)

Course Description

Essentials of Argumentation is the study of theory, practice, and criticism of argumentation, focusing on principles of effective argumentation, including the use of inductive and deductive logic, propositions, reasoning, evidence, and refutation. Students analyze, construct, and present written and oral arguments. The emphasis of the course is on critical thinking skills necessary for personal, professional, and academic success. Students will complete a minimum of 5,000 words of structured, academic writing. ADVISORY: ENGL C1000. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: COMM 120.C-ID: COMM 120.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Demonstrate appropriate skills in researching, constructing, and supporting propositions of fact, value and policy using well thought out reasoning and a variety of appropriate credible evidence.
2. Demonstrate ability to engage in appropriate reasoned and substantiated oral argument and refutation, exhibiting the ability to apply appropriate tests of evidence to one's own research and the argument of others in the context of informal discussion and formal debate.
3. Demonstrate ability to create and present written and oral syllogistic argument and Toulminian argument, distinguishing between facts and opinions, avoiding the use of fallacious reasoning.

Course Objectives

• 1. Identify the function of argumentation in various communication contexts.
• 2. Identify and explain the elements of an argument.
• 3. Research and assess credibility of sources and information to be used as evidence in written and oral arguments.
• 4. Identify and construct propositions of fact, value, and policy.
• 5. Construct, present, analyze, and evaluate logical arguments relating to topics of controversy.
• 6. Identify the difference between fact and opinion.
• 7. Identify and explain differences between induction and deduction.
• 8. Identify fallacious reasoning in written and oral arguments.
• 9. Refute opposing arguments.
• 10. Develop and present arguments using syllogism.
• 11. Develop and present arguments using Stephen Toulmins model of argument.
• 12. Critically analyze argument using Stephen Toulmins contemporary elements of argument.
• 13. Apply proper tests of evidence to arguments.
• 14. Participate in formal and informal forms of social and academic debate.
• 15. Identify and practice adapting arguments to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
• 16. Use critical thinking in the development, presentation, and analysis of argument.
• 17. Develop and present successful speeches and written arguments.
• 18. Construct a minimum of 5,000 words of logical academic structured argumentative writing.

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Lecture Content

Context of Argument Role of argumentation in society Ethical standards of argumentation and persuasion Research responsibilities: proof for papers and speeches Etiquette and ground rules for civil discussion Differences between formal argument and interpersonal quarreling Differences between fact, opinion, and opinion as to fact Argument spheres and fields Critical Thinking Functions of critical thinking Questions at issue, assumptions, point of view, interpretation, and inference Role of critical thinking in decision making Role of critical thinking in argumentation and refutation Oral presentation of argument Dialectical discussion Standards of our legal system as guidelines: presumption, burden of proof, prima facie Inventional systems for generating argument Problem, cause, solution, consequences Rhetorical Perspective Refutation Toulmin Model of Argument Primary Triad Claims Grounds Warrant Secondary Triad Backing Qualifiers Rebuttals Propositions Elements of propositions Terms of definition Direction of change Identification of key issues Propositions of fact, value, policy Structure of sound propositions Definition of key terms Reasoning Logic Syllogistic logic Induction and deduction Patterns of reasoning Arguments from cause, sign, generalization, parallel case, analogy, and authority. Fallacies Fallacies of reasoning Fallacies of appeal F allacies of language Evidence Principles of effective research Types of support Factual evidence: examples, figures, statistics Testimonial evidence: personal and expert Tests of evidence Evidence of fact Evidence of opinion Theory in persuasion Cost-reward theory Cognitive dissonance theory Basic needs theory

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
• DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

Learning is facilitated through lecture and application of concepts including analysis of critical thinking as related to writing, speaking, and listening to arguments about current issues. Facilitation of group discussion. In-class written, research, and speaking assignments are used to prepare for out of class graded assignments. Demonstration through debate simulation and presentation of recorded professional and student speeches and debates. Graded assignments of research on pertinent social issues, written argumentative essays of length (minimum 5,000 words), individual presentations and group debates. Instructor conferences with students/ groups to discuss papers, speeches and group presentations.

Reading Assignments

Reading of the textbook Reading of relevant information sources, including periodicals, newspapers, professional and academic journals, and books to serve as foundation for impromptu debates on contemporary social and/or political issues.

Writing Assignments

Argumentative essays of substantial length (Minimum of 5,000 words) to defend propositions of fact, value ,and policy. With option for revisions. Written outlines to be presented in class of extemporaneous persuasive speeches that include arguments to convince, arguments to actuate ,and arguments of refutation. Written outline of arguments presented in class.  Examples would include issues briefs or debate constructives. Written critique of argument. Midterm and final examinations. Exams can be essay or exams with essay section.

Out-of-class Assignments

Written review of research on current topics from relevant information sources, including periodicals, newspapers, professional and academic journals, and books to serve as foundation for impromptu debates on contemporary social and/or political issues. Identification and analysis of fallacy in editorial opinion from a major news source.  This assignment can take the form of short response or short essay.  Students should identify fallacies of reasoning, language, and pseudo-argument.  Analysis should discuss how the fallacies present impact the overall argument. Preparation of materials for in-class oral presentation of individual and/ or group debates.  Materials can include research proposals and reviews, issues briefs, debate constructives, and bibliography.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Demonstration of critical thinking will be evaluated on the following: The ability to participate in dialogue between student and instructor. The ability to critique essays and speeches--both of public figure and student speakers and written work published online and in print. The ability to use the Toulmin Model of Argument to construct and evaluate argument of both public figure and student speakers. Ability to apply skills instruction to analysis of social and political issues to express opinion and seek reasonable solutions to real problems.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Written essay of substantial length (Minimum of 5,000 words) will be evaluated on the ability to construct propositions of fact, value, and policy supported with appropriate and sufficient credible evidence gathered from credible research. Written critique of argument will be evaluated on the ability to demonstrate understanding of reasoning, support, presence of fallacious reasoning, and the ability to apply tests of evidence. Written essay exams will be evaluated on the demonstrated ability to understand, recall, and synthesize text and lecture information. Written formal outlines that accompany oral presentations of persuasive and argumentative speeches and debates will be evaluated on outline structure and demonstrated ability to prepare, organize, and support argument for oral presentation.

Eligible Disciplines

Communication studies (speech communication): Masters degree in speech, speech broadcasting, telecommunications, rhetoric, communication, communication studies, speech communication, or organizational communication OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in drama/ theater arts, mass communication, or English OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. Communication studies (speech communication): Masters degree in speech, speech broadcasting, telecommunications, rhetoric, communication, communication studies, speech communication, or organizational communication OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in drama/ theater arts, mass communication, or English OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Leigh, M Leigh D. The Approachable Argument, 2 ed. Kendall Hunt, 2020

Other Resources

1. Coastline Library