COM 276 Argumentation and Debate “Rather than thinking of winning as the only purpose for argumentation, it is better to think of the purpose as reaching the best decisions we can. When taking that point of view, you can still be motivated to present your strongest arguments, but there is less reason to use questionable methods.” Jay Verlinden, Critical Thinking and Everyday Argument

The basics Course Overview Basic Assignments Research Group Work Performance Basic Assignments

Tell me who are you? 3 X 5 Card: Major Name Yr in School Phone/Email Interests/Hobbies/Cool Stuff:

What is a debate? Constructives Refutations Cross Examination Summary Putting forth planned arguments Refutations Challenging the arguments of others Cross Examination Direct dialogue with opponent to explore and clarify Summary Summarize and clarify what we learned and how/why your team won the debate

Defining argument Read through the definitions of argument on the handout and pick your top two definitions. Be prepared to share which definition you picked and why you thought it was one of the best.

CASE: Alligator River Read, think, discuss, share

What next? If you’re staying: get books, start reading and thinking of potential debate topics If dropping: let me know! I’ve got some folks wanting to get in and I need to call them ASAP.