1. Introduction to Argument

2. What is argument?

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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, ?

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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?

13. 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

14. 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?