Introduction to Argument

What is argument?

Argument An argument is anything that offers an opinion An argument is anything that projects a value or belief An argument is anything that is not a fact An argument is any thing that inspires differing perspectives

Arguments Arguments occur everywhere Debate shows Presidential campaigns Advertisements Pamphlets Billboards Movies Photographs T-shirts Buildings Theme parks

Where do arguments occur? Contexts The broader conversation in which a particular argument is a response Conversation: Is global warming really a danger and, if so, what should be done about it? Argument: An Inconvenient Truth The context also includes the beliefs and values of the communities involved in an argument Communities in the global warming argument: politicians, weather experts, scientists, environmentalists Beliefs and values: Some believe we need to conserve resources now, Some believe things aren’t as dire as predicted

Community Arguments are often found in communities, as marked by anything those groups have in common Age: ? Occupation: doctors, pharmacists, ? Belief: Muslim, Mormon, ? Geography: Central Floridians, Americans, ? Race: Black, White, Asian, Indian, ? Political views: Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, ? Sexual orientation: Homosexual, transgender Concerns: environment, animals, public education, poverty, Iraq war, ?

Discourse Community What is a discourse community? The vocabulary of a given community Teachers: learning outcomes, student success, pedagogical theory College Football Restaurant Immigration activists Alternative fuel activists

Your Research Topic Your task is to compose two research questions These questions should be Debatable (not factual, people have differing opinions on it) Politically or socially significant Researchable (timely, sustainable, not too broad or specific) Interesting to you

Finding a Topic Before you can compose a research question, though, you should just search for a debatable topic you’re interested in Begin by making a list of 10 things you would are interested in currently (turn in to me)

Communities One way to find a research question is to investigate communities you belong to or are interested in What problems or issues are they concerned with? Brainstorm as a class Out of these issues, try to compose a research question (see examples)

Watching Movies and Television Movies and TV often brush on stories based in real life issues The Constant Gardener Blood Diamond An Inconvenient Truth Sicko The 11th Hour Spanglish Office Space 60 Minutes The World News PBS shows Law and Order Chappelle Show Political comedians

Reading Another great way to find a research question is reading about socially or politically significant topics in books, magazines, newspapers, and on the Internet Read “About a Bird” (handout) Read “Serve or Fail” for homework due next class (handout) Identify What issue(s) does the author raise? What communities are affected and how? What authorities are listed and what are their positions? Why should anyone care about this issue?

Exploratory Research Once you have a topic in mind, you need to conduct exploratory research before you hand your research questions to me Go to a search engine Type in keywords Make sure your topic is Debatable, researchable, and politically/socially significant

Evaluate the following research questions for your assignment What caused the war in Iraq? What should be done about childhood obesity? Is the news media biased? Should colleges consider race as a factor in admissions? Does Chevy or Ford make better cars? Should college athletes get paid to play? What happened on 9/11?