FALL 2016 SEMESTER LOS ANGELES PIERCE COLLEGE

Course
Information
SECTION: 0710
FALL 2016 LOCATION INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS
ROBERT.LOY@CSUN.ED VLGE 8210 ROBERT LOY JR. TUE/THU
UOFFICE - 8113 TUE/THU 9:35AM LECTURER, DEPT OF 11:00AM - 12:00PM
*BEST WAY TO REACH - 11:00AM
ME COMS STUDIES

COMM 104
ARGUMENTATION AND
DEBATE
Course Context and General
Objectives
Welcome! This course is an introduction to theories,
concepts, and practices in the field of argumentation
and debate. As a class, we will thoroughly explore
how to construct and evaluate arguments as a way to
enhance components of critical thinking, reasoning,
and logic. Argumentation focuses on how to prepare,
present, and defend a point of view by presenting
reasonable proof for an advocated point of view. Students develop critical, lifelong argumentative
communication skills.

The 2014-2015 Los Angeles Pierce Catalog defines the course as follows: “Argumentation embraces the
art and science of civil disagreement, dialogue, discourse, discussion, debate, spirited conversation, and
persuasion. Skills focus on assessing the authenticity, accuracy, and/or worth of evidence, claims, and
contentions. Argumentation focuses on how to prepare, present, and
defend a point of view by presenting reasonable proof for an advocated
point of view. Students develop critical, lifelong argumentative
communication skills.”

Required Text & Materials

• Hollihan, T.A & Baaske, K.T., Arguments and Arguing, 3rd Edition.
• ISBN: 1478629290
• Textbook is available in the bookstore and online
• 2nd Edition may be used, copy of this textbook will be placed on
library reserve

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• Access to a word processing program, course Canvas page, and

school email
• Additional & required readings will be posted on Canvas Class aptent taciti
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Student Learning Objectives
Los Angeles Pierce College has identified two learning outcomes for
you to take away from this course. They are as follows:

• Students will be able to recognize: claims, contentions, evidence

and reasoning.
• Recognize common fallacies used in argumentation.
• Demonstrate effective oral argumentation skills.
• All assignments will follow these learning outcomes. You will
achieve these goals by discussing the content in class, applying
material on writing assignments, and assessing your knowledge
of course concepts through chapter quizzes and exams.

General Education Learning

Outcomes
Los Angeles Pierce College has identified two general education
learning outcomes for you to take away from this course. They are
as follows:

• Communication: The student will demonstrate proficiency in

communication skills, including active listening, textual
interpretation and comprehension, and oral and written
expression.
• Critical thinking: The student will demonstrate proficiency
in identifying and clarifying issues, problems, questions, and
assumptions; analyzing data and relevant information including Grade Scale
alternative approaches; differentiating between facts, opinions,
and biases; synthesizing and generating solutions and possible 90-100% = A
outcomes, and using evidence and reasoning t support
conclusions. 80-89.99% = B
• Civic Responsibility and Ethical Reasoning in a Diverse 70-79.99% = C
Society: The student will demonstrate proficiency in
understanding, and engaging with, contemporary notions of the 60-69.99% = D
public good in a democratic and diverse society and relevant
principles, concepts, and arguments that guide ethical decision- 0-59.99% = F
making.

What This Course Meets

• Speech 104-Argumentation (3) UC:CSU. Meets CSU GE
Requirements in area A-1 Oral Communication or area A-3
Critical Thinking.
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• Meets IGETC GE Requirements in area A 1C Oral Communication. Lecture 3 hours.

Course Requirements
Grade Breakdown
• 100 pts Chapter Quizzes
• 150 pts Final Exam
• 100 pts Argument Paper 1
• 100 pts Argument Paper 2
• 150 pts Midterm Debate Presentation
• 200 pts Final Debate Presentation
• 200 pts Participation

1000 pts Total Points Possible

Participation - 200 points
• Participation is critical to passing this class. We will conduct workshops, writing exercises, quizzes,
in-class debates, discussions, group work, and in-class assignments.
• It is important that you are here to engage with the material, your classmates, and myself.
• You will be graded based on your attendance, promptness, reading quizzes, participation in
workshops, and overall respectfulness for the classroom environment.
• Participation also includes involved in our Canvas classroom community.
Quizzes/Discussion Questions - 10 quizzes, 100 points
• Quizzes will be given every week. They will be based on the assigned reading for the day.
• Each quiz is a pass or fail. What constitutes a passing grade is getting 3 correct answers out of the 5
questions given.
• Quizzes can also come in the form of a discussion question. You will be asked to recall information
and write on a short prompt about it. Your answer must make use of the textbook and relevant
examples.
• Quizzes and discussion questions will be designed to test your understanding and knowledge of
course material. This also motivates students to come prepared to class.
• Quizzes are in-class and online assignments. Any in-class assignments missed can’t be made up.
• If you happen to miss class due to a medical condition and have a doctor’s note, you will be asked to
bring in a one page response (based on the reading for the day missed) upon your return.

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Current Event & Debate Papers - 2 papers, 300 points

• You will be assigned 2 essay assignments in this course that will be based on current events and
political debates. These essays are designed to provide students
with an opportunity to work with the course
material outside of the context of the class
lectures and discussions. More specific
guidelines for the assignment will be
provided.
• Current event paper: Pick an
opinion pierce or editorial from an
online news source (i.e. Washington
Post, Los Angeles Times) an conduct a
thorough argumentative analysis of its content. The news source must be
current, significant, and the paper itself should make use of concepts
found in Arguments and Arguing.
• Political debate paper: Since we’re in the prime presidential debate season,
these papers are designed for you to become more politically aware. You will be required to watch
one of the political debates, whether that be the republican or democratic debates, and write an
essay analyzing how the candidates state their claim to be President, or Vice President of the United
States.
Debate Presentations - 2 debates, 350 points
• You will partner up with another classmate, research the pros and cons of a significant issue, and
debate against another pair in the class. Sides will be decided by coin flip, so partners are required
to become familiar with both sides to the issue.
• A debate outline is due in class and on Moodle.
• A list of issues and guidelines will be discussed on a later date.
Final Exam - 1 exam, 150 points
• Your knowledge and understanding will be accessed with two noncumulative examinations.
• Both the midterm and final exam will consist of a combination of short answer, multiple choice, and
longer essay questions that require students to synthesize and apply material and discussions
covered in class and on the required readings.

Classroom Policies
Classroom Commitment
• We are all learners and teachers in this classroom. Your contribution to discussions, debates, and to
the overall classroom environment is crucial to get the most out of this course, for yourself and for
others.
• As a way to ensure this class is a success for both you and I, we must be committed to be physically
and mentally present for all class sessions. We must come to class prepared to learn and engage
with one another.

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Canvas
• Canvas is a learning management system that seeks to replace Moodle. Los Angeles Pierce
College, as of this semester, as made the official move to Canvas.
Because of this, this classroom will make use of it.
• We will use Canvas for the following classroom mechanisms:
Attendance, topic approvals, discussions, quizzes, outline
submissions, and examinations.
• I will also use Canvas to post updated syllabus information,
assignment guidelines, grades, and make classroom
announcements.
• Please get acquainted with Canvas so that you can stay up to date
with all course information. Here’s the login information:

Canvas Website URL: https://ilearn.instructure.com/login/canvas

FOR STUDENTS
LoginID / UserID: Student ID number, example: 881234567
Password: 88mmdd or 88 + month + day you were born. Example: 880101 for Jan 1 birthday

Note: You can also download Canvas on the Apple App Store., Android Store, and Google Play. I
would test out the application but only rely on the website to submit assignments, take quizzes,
etc.

Due Dates
• Due dates are firm. This means that I will accept late assignments beyond any of the deadlines.
• Papers are due as assigned in the syllabus, thus no late papers will be accepted unless you have an
excused absence (this includes either a doctor’s note, a medical issue, or an issue that was cleared up
by me. Transportation or any personal issues may be unfortunate, but do not count as a valid excuse
for the course).
• Assignments will be submitted through turnitin.com (you can find links on our course Canvas page).
11:55pm will be the set time that these assignments will be due on Canvas. Any papers that are
turned in after this time will be considered LATE and will not be accepted.

Special Services, Disabilities, and Academic Accommodations

• Accommodations are available for students with disabilities and require special services from the
university and from their instructors.
• If you are a student that needs such accommodations, please
speak with individual before class, after class, during office
hours, or through email. This will ensure that your academic
needs will be met.
• In addition, you are encouraged to contact Special Services at
(818)719-6430. Their office is in the new Student Services
Building in room #4800. They will help you determine what
assistance is available for you.

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• I will make an announcement on the first day AND during the 5th week of school as a reminder
about this policy.

Writing Mechanics and Style

• All papers should be typed and presented according to the guidelines indicated on each assignment.
• Each of your assignments are also expected to be presented in its final form. This means you must
proofread your papers before you hand them to me.
• There are a variety of resources available to you on campus that will help you become a better
writer, which includes the Center for Academic Success.
• As taken from their website:
• “The CAS is dedicated to empowering students to achieve academic success. We believe
educational programs and services should cater
to multiple learning styles, and all people deserve
access to an atmosphere of respect, openness and
trust. We are committed to helping students in
need of academic support to meet their individual
goals, regardless of age, gender, race, or physical
ability.”
• At the Center for Academic Success, students can:
• Get help with subjects like English, math,
science, philosophy, etc.
• Learn study skills and success skills
essential for success in all classes.
• Work one-on-one or in small groups with a peer or professional tutor to get
personalized help.
• Attend workshops for help on specific topics (e.g. verb usage, test-taking
strategies, essay writing)
• (http://www.piercecollege.edu/departments/academic_success/)
• If you want to make sure you’re on the right track with on an assignment, you may bring in a draft
of your paper to my office for review. Try to plan ahead to give us enough time to work together on
the assignment.
• Under certain university policies, I am not allowed to provide feedback over email, so please plan
accordingly.

Attendance
• Attendance is required. Absences due to personal illness or medical emergencies must be cleared
via written documentation. Changes in work schedule, personal celebrations (e.g., birthdays),
transportation problems, etc. are NOT considered legitimate reasons to excuse an absence.
• If you are traveling on University-related business, notify me in advance of your scheduled absence.
• Contact classmates for notes or other information missed due to an absence.
• Students are also expected to arrive on time to class. Continuous late arrivals will contribute to a
lower participation grade.
• Attendance will be taken on a regular basis.

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Academic Honesty
• Don’t cheat. Cheating and plagiarism not only prevent the fair and accurate dispersion and
assessment of knowledge, they erode the instructor’s trust in the originality and quality of student
work.
• Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to University policies regarding academic
honesty as specified in the current Los Angeles Pierce College Catalog and Schedule of Classes.
• Cheating in any form or plagiarizing any part or parts of any oral or written work is automatic
grounds for receiving a failing grade in the course.
• In addition, a report will be filed with the Dean of Students for further possible action (including
expulsion from the University).
• If you are uncertain about what constitutes cheating or plagiarism, consult the University catalog for
definitions and for information regarding your rights and responsibilities.
• If you are tempted to cheat or plagiarize, please
contact me so we can work out an honest solution. If I
need to contact you regarding an assignment, I will
seek disciplinary action.
• This link contains a plagiarism activity and quiz to
help you understand this concept. Try it out!

http://library.camden.rutgers.edu/EducationalModule/Plagiarism/
• You can find L.A. Pierce College’s Student Academic Integrity Policy Statement at this link:
http://info.piercecollege.edu/info/conduct/academicINtegrityPOlicy.pdf. We will have a
discussion about what constitutes plagiarism together to be clear about what’s expected us in this
classroom and at this institution.
Email Etiquette
• At times, email exchanges can lead to misunderstanding and miscommunication between the
student and instructor. Thus, I’ve provided some points of advice for you to
consider before you email myself or any other instructor at this university.
• Check the syllabus before emailing me.
• Use your university email so I can clearly identify who you are.
• State purpose, name, class, and meeting times in your subject line.
(example: Debate Assignment - Robert Loy - COMM 104 7pm)
• Begin with a new message and not a reply to class email.
• Check your email frequently for replies and class emails.
• Reply in a timely manner and at an appropriate time.
• Have a personalized and professional signature at the bottom of your
email (I suggest revising the “Sent from my iPhone” signature).
• Have a clear and concise message. State the problem/issue and requested action from me.
• Proofread your email before you send it. Check grammatical mistakes, misspellings, and
language/tone use.

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• Avoid using “text-speak” (using LOL, OMG, WTF, etc).

• Allow for a reply within 48 hours.
• Do not ask about grade specifics. Under FERPA, I am not allowed to discuss grade specifics via
email.

In other words, pay close attention to how we communicate via email.

Extra Credit
• There will also be various opportunities to earn extra credit in the course. You will be notified ahead
of time if any department related events arise. More information for extra credit will be given
throughout the semester.
• In order to receive extra credit for attending an event, you must turn in the following:
• Proof of attendance. This can include a flyer or a photograph of you and your classmates at
the event. And yes, you may take a selfie to show proof!
• 1-2 page reflection on the event. Your reflection should contain the following:
• Context. What event did you attend and what was the overall purpose?
• Class connection. What concept did this event remind you of? And why?
• Personal thoughts. Did you enjoy the event? What did you learn? Why or why not?

Technology
• Phones, smartphones, tablets, and laptops will be prohibited in
class to foster an engaged environment. You will be asked to put it
away at the beginning of class (in other words, we will all be required
to turn our phones on silent/vibrate and asked to place them in our
pocket or backpacks).
• If you happen to need to make a phone call or send an important
text out, please step outside when doing so.
• Continuous use of technology (texting in class, constantly checking
your phone, or surfing the internet on your laptop) will result in a
lower participation.

Syllabus Changes
• Any part of this syllabus is subjected to change under the instructor’s discretion. Students will be
notified with any changes in class or via email.
• Grade marks, assignment adjustments, and further explanation/elaboration of policies are also
subjected to change under the instructor’s discretion.

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Course Schedule
Month Week/Date Subject Reading Assignment

August Tuesday Course Introduction Syllabus Syllabus Quiz (Quiz

8/30 1)
What is Communication, Arguers as Lovers
Thursday Argumentation, and Rhetoric?
9/1
SPAR Debates

September Tuesday Argumentation as Human Chapter 1 Quiz 2

9/06 Symbolic Activity
Rhetorical Situation
Thursday Rhetorical Theory Cont.
9/08

Tuesday Argumentation and Narrative Chapter 2 Quiz 3

9/13 Theory

Thursday
9/15

Tuesday Fields and Audiences of Chapter 3 Quiz 4

9/20 Argumentation

Thursday
9/22

Tuesday Nature of Language and Chapter 4 Quiz 5

9/27 Metaphors in Argumentation

Thursday
9/29

October Tuesday Argumentation as Competitive Chapter 5 DUE:

10/04 Debate Argument Paper 1

Thursday Argumentation as a form of Quiz 6

10/06 Critical Thinking

Tuesday Grounds in Argumentation Chapter 6 Quiz 7

10/11

Thursday
10/13

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Month Week/Date Subject Reading Assignment

Tuesday Midterm Debate Presentations DUE: Outlines

10/18

Thursday
10/20

Tuesday Midterm Debate Presentations DUE: Outlines

10/25

Thursday
10/27

November Tuesday Types of Arguments Chapter 7 Quiz 8

11/01

Thursday
11/03

Tuesday Building Arguments Chapter 8 DUE:

11/08 Argument Paper 2

Thursday Quiz 9
11/10

Tuesday Refuting Arguments Chapter 9 Quiz 10

11/15

Thursday
11/17

Tuesday Legal Argumentation Chapter 12 DUE: Outlines

11/22
Final Debate Presentation
Thursday
11/24 No Class - Thanksgiving Break

December Tuesday Political Argumentation Chapter 13 DUE: Outlines

11/29
Final Debate Presentation
Thursday
12/01

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Month Week/Date Subject Reading Assignment

Tuesday Argumentation in Business Chapter 14 DUE: Outlines

12/06 Organizations and Interpersonal Chapter 15
Relationships
Thursday
12/08 Final Debate Presentation

Thursday Final Examination 9:00AM - 11:00AM DUE: Outlines

12/15
Final Debate Presentation

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