This course will give you a basic working knowledge of critical thinking and listening skills, teach you
how to build and critique arguments, and enhance your understanding of current world affairs. Your
participation is central to your success in this class; therefore, you are urged to risk opinions, to volunteer
constructive feedback and suggestions, and to actively work with other students as you learn the course
material. I insist upon a respectful environment at all times.

- Construct ethical, reasoned arguments for different audiences
- Critically evaluate the arguments and appeals made by other speakers
- Provide and receive constructive feedback
- Speak competently and confidently
- Research and support both sides of important contemporary issues

I will use BlackBoard, so you are required to check the email account that is linked with this site. You
should check your email at least every three or four days to look for class postings. All assignments will
be posted to our BlackBoard Website, and you can obtain additional downloads on BlackBoard as the
semester progresses.

You will not be permitted to make up missed debates. Your partner is relying on you to be present on the day that you are assigned to speak. Only under extraordinary circumstances (that are well documented) will you be permitted to make up the missed debate.

stipulation. Your petition should be a memorandum documenting your reason for not handing in your written work on time. Attach any dated documentation verifying the date and reason you were absent. I must receive this petition in a timely fashion; don\u2019t wait to get this to me.

72 hours after the date the graded assignment was returned. You can challenge a grade by emailing me a
written argument that attempts to persuade me that you deserve a higher grade. If you are challenging a
debate grade we will watch your debate together after I have reviewed your written argument and review
my grading rationale. Be aware that a grade that has been challenged can go down. The points/letter
grade scale is below:

quality.
- B level work exceeds the basic requirements for an assignment; the work is good to very good.
- C category work meets the basic requirements of an assignment. The work is satisfactory.
- D work does not meet most of the basic requirements of the assignment; the work is poor.
- An F is usually given for work that is of extremely poor quality. The work typically fails to meet most

Additional missed classes, apart from documented illness or emergencies will lower yourfinal course
grade by 3 points per missed class. Arriving to class later than 10 minutes will count as an absence. I do
take roll.

As part of our commitment to each other and the standards of the university, all work submitted in this
class is to be the culmination of your own efforts. While you are encouraged to discuss ideas and
possibilities with other students and myself, no one is authorized to complete the work for you, and you
should never claim the work of another person, organization or institution as your own. Any external
sources and materials must be acknowledged with appropriate citations. Furthermore, \u201cdisruptive
behavior\u201d constitutes an honor code violation. If you have any questions about the honor code, please
ask.