FLEMING COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS I COMM 201 Week 914

FLEMING COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS I (COMM 201) Week 9/14 Seminar

Week Ten Seminar Agenda Hour One �Introduction to persuasion �What is an argument? Hour Two �Discussion of Reflection Assignment �Language skills follow-up (pg. 2)

What is this “Persuasion” You Speak of? Compositions in speech and writing that apply critical thinking skills to make convincing arguments Examples from your blogs? ?

Getting Started with Arguments: Today’s Goals Develop our skills in making and responding to arguments: Define “argument” Practise finding main idea and assumptions in arguments

What is an Argument? • not quarreling or conflict • not just stating your opinions • not selectively choosing evidence that props up your point of view. Argument Clinic

What is an Argument? Argument = claim plus support Argument: “A laptop ban will be successful at Fleming [claim] because studies have shown that laptops negatively affect student performance [support]. ” NOT an argument: “I hate laptops in classrooms!!!!”

Arguments are based on a claim, but… What is a good claim?

What is “Support”? Support = reasons to believe claim Support can include evidence, underlying assumptions, reasoning, emotional appeal, and more. “Global warming is a fraud because the UN Panel on Climate Change is controlled by greedy scientists. ” What underlying assumptions are hidden inside this claim?

A Note on Assumptions Claim Assumptions

A Note on Assumptions Class is at 8: 00 am, so I should leave by 7: 15 am. 1. Trip takes 45 min 2. Bus is on time 3. Success in education is important to me 4. Attendance will lead to success

A Note on Assumptions Hiding cigarette packages in stores will save lives 1. Cigarettes cause death. 2. Smokers will be discouraged from smoking if cigarettes are not visible. 3. Non-smokers will be less likely to start smoking if packages not visible. 4. Smokers will not die prematurely from other causes. 5. The state should protect people from themselves.

Defining Argument Through Examples In the following, see if you can find 1) The central claim 2) Some underlying assumptions 3) Reasoning

Sample Argument “Sure I cheated on you, but I was really hammered, so it’s not my fault!!” (overheard in Fleming hallway, February, 2014)

What is an Argument? Since I was not mentally competent, I could not have prevented my actions, and therefore … (claim) R e a s o n i n g Claim Assumptions “It’s not my fault!” (I am not responsible for my actions) Mental competence is required to find someone responsible for wrongdoing.

Now you try it on your handout “So my parents took my new boyfriend and me out for lunch last week. He was meeting them for the first time. My parents paid for all of us at the restaurant – he didn’t even offer! Totally not marriage material. ” (Overheard in Fleming hallway, October, 2014)

“Anyone who believes in global warming didn’t spend last winter in Bancroft!!” e-portfolio (Near Bancroft, Ontario)

Claim: Time spent working to become a better writer is worthwhile. On a piece of paper write down all the assumptions you can think of that underlie this claim Pair and share

Let’s look at your final assignment Reflection Assignment Questions?

Language skills follow-up In the Additional Student Resources module there are several Power. Point presentations on Writing Clear Sentences

For Lab this Week: Revise the first draft of your Profile based on Peer feedback from last week Post Draft #2 to Word. Press before our lab 5% Peer Review assessment in lab will offer suggestions for both Revision and Editing!