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Sample Syllabus: Argument and Persuasion – Critical Thinking,Critical Reading and Critical Writing1
1. Method & Course Description------------------------------Clear thinking and clear writing are inextricably linked. In this course, we shall practice both skills simultaneously: there will be in-class practiceexercises every period we meet, more lengthy out-of-class writing assignmentsand a final research paper of 10 pages. It’s an obvious fact, but obscuredtoo often in university study, that competent writing doesn’t take place inan "interest-vacuum". In order to produce a quality document, one must engagethe topic in terms of critical assessment and gathering of informationregarding that topic, and one must also have a genuine interest in thesubject of investigation.With our in-class exercises, we shall work to become proficient with the mechanics and technical aspects of clear writing. To do this, we shallconsider short, direct pieces and evaluate their relative successes andshortcomings. But evaluation of the work of others is not our only activity; we shall spend time on relatively brief critical and creative activities tolearn techniques of good writing and to hone critical thinking skills. Attendance and participation are essential – as should be reflected by the manner in which grades are assigned.Out-of-class assignments give students a chance to practice and assemble,in slow and deliberate fashion, the skills and techniques we shall havedeveloped in class. An estimation of the quality the students' out-of-classassignments is vital feedback if a student is to come to be able todiscriminate good writing from bad, but generating a large quantity of material is also vital. Just as in the world of sport, practice makes better,but perfect practice makes perfect. We aim toward perfect practice in and outof class in this course. The going can be tough, but the rewards are well worth the effort.Finally, students will write a 10-page final research paper which theout-of-class and in-class assignment will support. In the final researchpaper, students have the chance to evince all the skills we’ve developed overthe semester. If students have completed all the in-class and out-of-classassignments, then the research paper should be much easier to write than ifit had been done from scratch.2. Instructor Information-------------------------Dr. Jesse Butler<dept. info><contact info><office hour info> Appointments: Please set up an appointment if you're confusedabout something, need help getting started on an assignment or would like to receive feedback for what you've written.3. Course Information--------------------- A. Meeting Places & Times-------------------------
 
Sample Syllabus: Argument and Persuasion – Critical Thinking,Critical Reading and Critical Writing2
<MTWRF> <time> <place>B. Texts--------Required--------Lester Feigley The Brief Penguin HandbookLaurence Behrens and Leonard J. Rosen Writing and Reading across theCurriculum 10
th
ed.Course e-Packet[These books are on reserve at the Library -- visit the circulationdesk.]C. Grades---------Grades are assigned based on performance on (1) in-class exercises #1 – #30, (2) bi-weekly out-of-class of assignments and (3) the 10-pagefinal paper. In order to receive a passing grade, students must complete26 out of the 30 in-class assignments, five (5) of the seven (7) out-of-class assignments and must submit a final paper. Grades are determinedbased on the number of "points" a student earns over the course of thesemester. Points are awarded for each of those assignments accordingto the following scheme:+ For each in-class assignment successfully completed, two (2) points.+ Out-of-class assignments are graded out of two (2) points.+ The final paper is graded out of 26 points.Points are then tallied and letter grades are assigned based on thenumber of total points in accord with the following table:90+ Points........A 85 - 89 Points........B+80 - 84 Points........B75 - 79 Points........C+70 - 74 Points........C60 - 69 Points........DLess that 60 Points...ED. Feedback and Comments on Written Work----------------------------------------If you'd like more discussion over what you've written, please set up anappointment to talk about your work.E. Classroom Conduct--------------------
 
Sample Syllabus: Argument and Persuasion – Critical Thinking,Critical Reading and Critical Writing3
(1) We'll engage in discussion for much of our class time. In orderto have a productive discussion, only one person may speak at a time.(2) Please be on time to class.(3) Please silence your cell phones before class. If your phone rings,don't answer it.(4) Anyone disrupting will be asked to leave.F. E-Mail Policy----------------Only e-mail messages that are concise and relevant will receivea response. Don't expect an immediate answer.G. Academic Assistance----------------------Free tutoring is available. Individual instruction to help improvereading and writing skills is available from the Reading and WritingCenter.H. Special Needs----------------Students requesting special accommodations must first register with the Dean of Students Office.I. Tentative Schedule---------------------+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Monday+++++++Wednesday+++++++Friday+++++ + + + ++ Week 1 + (date) + (date) + (8/31) ++ + + + ++ Basic informal logic + in-class + in-class + out-of- ++ and fallacies + ex. #1 + ex. #2 + class ex. ++ + + + #1 due ++ + + + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Monday+++++++Wednesday+++++++Friday+++++ + + + ++ Week 2 + (date) + (date) + (date) ++ + + + ++ Pathos: An Editorial + in-class + in-class + TBA ++ + ex. #3 + ex. #4 + ++ + + + ++ + + + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Monday+++++++Wednesday+++++++Friday+++++ + + + ++ Week 3 + (date) + (date) + (date) ++ + + + ++ Ethos: Placing Your + in-class + in-class + out-of- ++ writing in a context + ex. #5 + ex. #6 + class ex. ++ + + + #2 due ++ + + + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Monday+++++++Wednesday+++++++Friday+++++ + + + ++ Week 4 + (date) + (date) + (date) ++ + + + +
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duponthumanite

I like a course which deals with Pathos and Ethos early in the piece. Logically calculated aims are important too.

reply12 / 08 / 2009
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