1. 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

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

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. CASE: Alligator River
Read, think, discuss, share

7. 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.