COMM 1650 - Argumentation and Advocacy

Goals: To study argumentation theories, including historical perspectives and current approaches; to understand arguments as a method of inquiry and advocacy, and as a problem-solving tool; to consider the ethical implications of formal and informal argument; to increase skills in critical thinking, in evaluation of evidence and reasoning, in developing strategies for the invention of persuasive argument, in evaluating formal and informal argument, and in justifying argumentation choices. To learn to construct and express oral arguments effectively in a public setting.

Content: Analysis of theories and strategies of argumentation; application of principles and theories of argumentation; emphasis on critical assessment of argumentation in a variety of contexts and media.

Taught: Every semester

Prerequisites: None

Credits: 4