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Speech 9Argumentation: Analysis of Oral and Written Communication
Required Texts and Materials:
Rottenberg, A. T. & Winchell, D. H. (2006). The Structure of Argument. 5th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
The course packet is available by clicking on the following link:
Speech 9 Course Packet 2011. Please download this word document, print it,
and bring it to class every day.
Access to a daily news source, such as a major newspaper (The San Jose Mercury News, The San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, etc.) or other credible news source.
Course Objectives:
This course fulfills the IGETC requirement for critical thinking/composition. Because this course is taught in the Speech Department, the skill of critical thinking is taught through the study of argument and rhetorical analysis, as well as the application of those techniques. However, this is not a course in oral communication (Spch 1) or debate (Spch 8), although we will be practicing both of those skills. Rather, the emphasis will be on examining types of claims and how they are supported within a specific rhetorical context, whether verbal or written.
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
Explain and apply the forms, principles, and procedures of argumentation.
Research and evaluate information to develop informed, ethical arguments with valid reasons and evidence.
Critically analyze and evaluate a variety of contemporary issues from argumentative discourse and texts.
Examine, design, and formulate strategies for writing a progression of well-organized critical essays that demonstrate increasingly complex writing and critical thinking.
Speak and debate about controversial issues using argument methods and structures.
Course Policies:
Regular attendance is crucial to your success in this class. More than 3 unexcused absences will result in you being dropped from the class. You are not only expected to be here and on time on the days that you are scheduled to speak/debate, but you also have a responsibility to be an active audience member. Participation is essential!
Keeping up with the reading assignments is also crucial to your success. I expect that you will come to class having read the chapters and, more importantly, that you have something constructive to say about them. Pop-quizzes will be given on assigned chapters from the text and key issues being discussed in the newspaper.
Since we are on a tight schedule, please don't be late for class. If you happen to be late on a speech/debate day, please wait outside until you can enter without disruption (wait for applause). Unless the circumstances warrant it (i.e. you're at the hospital), make-up or other late work will not be accepted. If an emergency does come up, let me know right away.
All written assignments must be typed or word-processed, with attention paid to spelling, punctuation, grammar, and all that other good stuff. Hand-written assignments (unless otherwise noted) will not be accepted.
The Academic Honor Code will be strictly enforced in this class. Violations of this policy on academic dishonesty can lead to a failing grade on a test, paper, or assignment, having your course grade lowered, getting an "F" in the course, being placed on academic disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. If you have any questions about what constitutes cheating, plagiarism, inadequate citation of sources, etc., please ask.
Any student with a disability requiring accommodation should make this need known to me. Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. Please don�¯�¿�½t hesitate to call Counseling/Academic Advising at (408) 864-5400 if you have any other questions or concerns.
Finally, I expect you to help maintain a respectful and supportive learning environment. We're all in college and have chosen to come here to learn, so please be respectful of others both when speaking and when listening.
Assignments:
Critical Review Speech 30 pts
Short Papers 30 pts
Research Papers 70 pts
Policy Group Project 65 pts
Participation (including quizes, 80 pts
homework, groupwork)
Exams (mid-term & final) 50 pts
Total 325 pts
Grades:
Final grades will be assigned on the following basis:
93 - 100% = A 77 - 79% = C+
90 - 92% = A- 70 - 76% = C
87 - 89% = B+ 67 - 69% = D+
83 - 86% = B 63 - 66% = D
80 - 82% = B- 60 - 62% = D-
<60% = F
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