School of Arts and Sciences

College in High School Course Syllabus

Communication and Rhetoric 0500
Argument
(3 Credits)

This introductory course examines the fundamentals of argument and intends proficiency in the application of these elementary debating techniques. There are two main units in the course. The first unit examines the foundations of argument construction, support, and refutation. The second unit develops argument skills through in-class debates. There is a written as well as oral component of this course.

Midterm evaluation covers theoretical knowledge of argument. This may consist of a formal examination or an alternative diagnostic measure.

Each student will participate in several debates as well as submit a written evaluation of a debate the student has observed.

Each student completes a major research assignment and uses this research to support the in-class argument activities. The project must include 50 pieces of evidence from at least 10 different sources. A research paper of approximately 10 pages also is required.

Some instructors may require additional tasks.

The required text is Argument 0500: The College in High School Edition written by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Communication. It is available at Copy Cat, 3945 Forbes Avenue. Individual instructors may require supplementary readings in addition to the text. Contact Gordon Mitchell.

The following topics are covered in the University of Pittsburgh Communication 0500 course:

  1. Introduction to Argument

    • The difference between argument and other forms of communication, e.g. persuasion and rhetoric.

  2. Types of Argument

    • Aristotle's categories: ethos, logos, pathos
    • Fact, definition, value, and policy
    • Inductive and deductive
    • Argument by example, analogy, cause, and sign
    • Informal fallacies

  3. Constructing a Valid Argument

    • Constructing a valid argument
    • Principles of organization

  4. Research Methods and Evidence

    • The research process
    • Evidence for a claim
    • Standards for evaluating evidence

  5. Delivery of Argument

  6. Refutation of Arguments

  7. Cross-examination

  8. Evaluation and Criticism of Arguments

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