SPEECH 006
CRN #31599
ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
Instructor: Jamille Harrell-Sims
Email: jharrellsims@pasadena.edu
Classroom: Bldg C-103
Office: 626-585-7500
Office Hours: Saturdays 12:20-1:20 pm.
Location: CA-312
Division Office: CA-102
Mailbox: CA-102
Course Description:
Principles and forms of argumentation and debate. Logical analysis and reflective thinking.
Adaptation of materials to audience situations. Total of 54 hours lecture.
Classroom Policies and Procedures
1. In order to get participation points, attendance is necessary. Be on time.
2. Be respectful to others.
3. No texting or use of laptops unless permission is given by the instructor.
4. There are no make-up exams.
5. There is no extra credit allowed.
POOR CLASS ATTENDANCE (ALWAYS LATE, ABSENT) WILL RESULT IN A
GRADE DROP AT THE END OF THE QUARTER!
Drop Policy: Students must be dropped from class for failure to attend the first meeting
of the class if they have not made prior arrangements, and may be dropped for failure to
attend the second meeting if they have not made prior arrangements with the instructor.
Students who arrive late at the first meeting of a class may be dropped. Students may be
dropped from a semester-length class for continuous or cumulative absence which total
the number of hours the class is scheduled to meet in a two-week period.
Student Learning Objectives:
1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of argumentation
and debate.
2. Students will learn the foundation of arguments, critical thinking, audience evaluation
and refutation.
3. Students will be able to practice the use of academic argumentation and debate, as well as
gain an understanding of debate in politics, law, business and interpersonal relationships.
4. Students will learn to prepare for debates, as well as become introduced to forensic
debating.
Student Performance Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the principles of argumentation and debate.
2. Evaluate trends and give a critical analysis of debate performances.
3. Demonstrate basic patterns used in public speaking-composition, organization and
audience analysis.
4. Prepare, deliver and participate in a classroom debate.
5. Participate in a mock trial or class debate team.
6. Critique public debates with the understanding of the use of persuasive methodologies.
Text:
Hollihan, T.A., Baaske, K.T. (2005) Arguments and Arguing, 2nd ed.
Long Grove, Il./ Waveland Press, Inc.
Grading:
Critiques
Participation
Midterm
Mock Trial
Class Project
Classroom Debate Team
Conflict resolution Panel
Final
05 points each (3 critiques=15 points)
15 points
15 points
10 points
5 points
15 points (4 debates= 20 points)
10 points
15 points
100 points
Grading Rubric
A
B
C
D
F
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0-59
Accommodations for disabilities
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any student who provides documentation
to the instructor from PCC’s Disabled Student Programs & Services in D209 (626-5857127). For more information, please go to www.pasadena.edu/studentservices/dsps.
Academic honesty
In formal written assignments, when you quote, paraphrase, or otherwise build upon an
idea based on another source (book, article, web, lecture, etc.), you must cite the original
source using a recognized citation style such a MLA or APA. Always give credit to the
original author, then add your own spin or idea. If it is determined that you have
committed plagiarism, (copied from another author’s/student’s work without correctly
citing the source material, you will be referred to the Vice President of Student & Learning
Services for disciplinary action, in accordance with the Student Conduct and Academic
Honesty Policy, (No. 4520-www.pasadena.edu/IPRO/Policies/pcc_4520.pdf).
The consequences of plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty may include a
failing grade for the assignment or being dropped from the class entirely.
COURSE OUTLINE
1/17
1/24
Defining Argumentation
Overview of the class and expectations
Basics of Speech
Class introduction exercise
Read pages 1-15
Foundations of Argumentation
Lecture
Debate observation
Audiences and Arguments
Lecture
1/31
Language and Critical Thinking
Lecture
Group exercise
2/7
Researching your topic
A trip to the library
Debate Observation
Types of Arguments
Grounds for Arguments
Lecture
2/14
CAMPUS HOLIDAY
2/21
Building Arguments
Speech organization and outlining (Lecture)
Small group: preparation of outlines
Read pages 95-133 in textbook
2/28
Refuting Arguments
Delivery (Lecture)
Speech practice exercises
Presentation aids (Lecture)
Read pages 141-155 in textbook
3/7
Midterm
Discussion and directions for class project
3/9
SPRING BREAK
3/21
Academic Debate (Overview and Insights)
Group exercise
Speaking on special occasions
Great Debate #1
Read page 175-210 in textbook
3/28
Political Campaigns
Preparation for Moot Court
Debate observation
Great debate exercise #2
4/4
Legal Argumentation
Short lecture
Moot Court exercise
Read page 241 -258
4/11
Business Organization
Board room exercise
Great debate exercise #3
Read page 261-273
Individual activity
4/18
Interpersonal Relationships
Lecture
Prepare for conflict resolution panel
Assignment: Fighting fair
Class project due
Read 275-289
4/25
Conflict Resolution Panel
Putting it all together
Great debate exercise #4
Study for final exam
5/9
Final Exam