recognize and use elements of argumentation such as premises, conclusions, evidence, values, assumptions, etc.;
recognize how values and worldview affect response to arguments;
evaluate non-fiction texts for quality, credibility, and validity;
create, analyze, and evaluate written work collaboratively;
recognize and avoid rhetorical abuses in writing, including common logical fallacies;
incorporate academic-quality research and resources into writing;
use college-level writing skills to summarize, evaluate, analyze, and persuade;
appropriately cite all sources used in the preparation of course work.
Week 6 Intro & Task Descriptions
About this week...
"Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable." ~ Mark Twain
You should be gathering quite a few articles appropriate for use in the final project. This week you'll have a chance to add to that collection. Consider how great it will be to have pretty much all of your research done by the time the final project is started.
Last week we worked on categorizing appeals by ethos (the credibility of the author of the argument), pathos (the emotional connection in the argument), and logos (the facts and data used to support the claim). This week we will be categorizing types of evidence in a slightly different way. We'll be looking at direct and circumstantial categories.
The way statistical information is used to clarify and obfuscate makes some people wonder whether statistics can be valuable in a persuasive argument at all.
You need to figure out the most effective and relevant statistics that apply to YOUR argument. And you need to know if anyone in the debate is using statistics inappropriately.
You need to make at least 3 well developed posts in the 6a thread.
It's time to prepare a roadmap for your argument. This will involve writing a strong thesis and preparing an outline for the project. You have been doing preliminary research, so you should have a fairly good idea of the position you are planning to take. Please review the final project requirements before continuing with this task. You may use any of the information or strategies already studied to help you craft a thesis and outline. In addition, there are some readings and the guest lecture below that will help you with this task.
Copy and paste a copy of your 6b task in the 6b discussion thread.
Post a copy of your 6b task as an attachment in the 6b assignment drop.
Week 6 Assessment Rubrics
6a Graded Discussion Assessment Rubric
Max
Earned
Timing
First post no later than Thursday
1
1
Frequency
At least 3 well-developed posts in the discussion.
3
3
Quality
* 5-7 pts per high-quality post
* 3-4 pts per medium-quality post
* 0-2 pts per low-quality post
21
21
Total Earned
25
Comments:
For grading quality I choose the 3 best posts made in a discussion; the more posts you make, the more likely you will be able to earn maximum credit.
Quality post characteristics
*High quality (5-7 pts.) = Purposeful development; clear evidence of understanding reading assignments; extends the boundaries of the discussion but remains focused on topic; may demonstrate synthesis of ideas from multiple sources; there are few or no grammar, word use, punctuation or other errors.
*Medium quality (3-4 pts.) = Moderate development; shows evidence of reading assignments; may lack depth or show some lack of comprehension; there may be grammar, word use, punctuation or other errors, but they do not interfere with the meaning in the post.
*Low quality (0-2 pts.) = Limited in scope, development, and correctness; may simply agree or disagree with another in the class; little if any evidence of having read the assignments; may be numerous grammar, word use, punctuation or other errors.
Special note: If less than 22 points is earned on the 6b task, it can be revised for an improved score. Revision should be done as soon as possible, and the revised version should be submitted as an attachment in the Week 18 Revisions Drop.
6b Thesis & Outline Assessment Rubric
Max
Earned
Timing: Posted by due date in both the 6b discussion thread AND the 6b assignment drop.
1
1
Quality Expectations for this writing task:
Assignment is prepared in MLA format (4 pts)
Header at upper left includes
name,
class & task ID, and
date of submission
Thesis statement (10 pts)
Clearly identifies issue
Makes a claim that takes a position
Provides multiple reasons for position
Alpha numeric, full sentence outline (10 pts)
Must include intro section
Must include section for each main point in thesis
Must include conclusion section
Sources used MUST be properly cited in-text and in a list of works cited. (-10 pts)
If sources are used, they must be cited
If errors are made, points will be deducted from total points already earned.
If soruces are not cited, it is possible to end up with a NEGATIVE score!
