CMST 3

Argumentation, like rhetoric, is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the communication discipline even as it is one of the most used. While most people might think of a shouting match across a dinner table or some lurking internet troll, argument is one of the oldest and most important ways we can understand the world and is far from the way it's currently imagined. 

In the 16-week online course conducted entirely online through Canvas (CCSF's learning management system) we will chart together a path clarifying and engaging the theory and practice of argument and debate. We will study foundations of historical and contemporary argument, various approaches to persuasive research and design, and explore contemporary and special issues to see argument in practice.

But this class is more than just a survey; argument is learned best in the doing! We will focus on developing critical listening, reading, and speaking skills and pay special attention to strategic and tactical choice making. 

With four major experiences of arguments ( reflective reactions, oral presentations, written papers, and comprehensive exams), this course primarily focuses on strengthening students’ ability to articulate communication theories in relation to argument, consider ethical issues when developing content and evidentiary support, and provide experience with applying communication theory to everyday contexts and expressions of political life. 

In other words, we will explore debate and deliberation as communication methods to engage meaningfully with people holding diverse viewpoints. This is a skills-based class designed to challenge your current argumentation and speaking style in order to make it stronger in a supportive setting. 

Important Dates

This class will meet entirely online and there are no in-person class meetings on campus. Three important things to know: 

• I will send out a welcome email and announcement with more details about the course at least a week before it begins. 

The followoing will be updated to reflect the current semester: 

• Day Class Begins: January 26, 2021

• Day Class Ends: May 25, 2021

• Last Day to Add without instructor's approval: DATE HERE

• Last Day to Drop with refund: DATE HERE

• Last Day to Drop without a 'W' symbol: DATE HERE

• Last Day to Opt for Pass/No Pass: DATE HERE

• Last Day to Drop with a W or apply for leave of absence: DATE HERE

• Final Exam Date: May 25, 2021

Drop Policy

I know that the first few days of the semester might be very stressful and confusing. In order to stay enrolled:

• Please fill out our first assignment, which is a few questions that helps me understand your CCSF goals and goals for the class, within the first 7 days of the course. If you don’t submit the assignment by then, I will consider you a no-show in the course.

• By the second week of the course you should have participated in one online discussion and submitted your introduction speech.

Students who do not perform these three exercises or does not communicate with me may be dropped from the course in the beginning of the third week of the course.

Course Syllabus