n.b the schedule is subject to change
At least 3 library visits will also be scheduled during the course
In-class essays may be scheduled as and when deemed necessary and at least 4 visits to the writing center are required.
n.b
The course book should be available from the Anglo-American Bookshop in Rome but it can be obtained second-hand much more cheaply, especially on the internet. students will be expected to have the book for the first week of classes.
Lesson 1
Introduction to the course and requirements; goals and expectations
Prepare for quiz on syllabus. Read the online syllabus carefully.
Reading task for homework
Lesson 2
Introduction to argument; focus on grammar/revision element of the course.
An introduction to arguments and argumentative writing.
Writing and research task – a basic argumentative topic to get started
Reading assignment
Lesson 3
Does truth exist? Sophism and winning arguments.
Truth-seeking and persuasion;
Topic: Student-rights issues or Contemporary Issues
Lesson 4
Possible library visit
Lesson 5
Reading and inquiry
How to explore issues and generate ideas
Ethos, pathos, logos
Writing task
Lesson 6
A contemporary discussion: e.g. immigration, ‘ius soli’, travellers and Roma people.
Using sources and looking at bias in sources, especially news media.
Reading and/or Video assignment
Lesson 7
Moving your audience; Dialectic thinking
An exploratory essay as a way of examining the issue
Reading assignment
Lesson 8
Issue questions and classic argument structure
Genuine and pseudo arguments
Reading assignment: sexual/gender ethics
Lesson 9
Considering your audience
Moving your audience
How to look at both sides of the issue: rebutting and conceding
Lesson 10
Preaching to the converted v. Persuading a resistant audience
Rogerian Argumentation
Human rights issue
Lesson 11
Introduction to the research paper. What is it?
Finding something to write about.
Presenting a first research proposal
Lesson 12
Thinking about formulation a research question
Backing up your argument with sources; why academic sources are important
Keeping a working bibliography
The MLA
How to cite and why it is important; using the MLA Handbook; citation exercises; avoiding plagiarism
Lesson 13
Structure of a research paper. Arriving at a first draft.
Lesson 14
Research topic. Presenting ideas and discussion of viability.
Narrowing the focus on the topic.
Lesson 15
Finding sources and presenting them. Annotating a working bibliography.
Lesson 16
Feedback on working bibliographies
MLA citation exercises part two: paraphrasing, summarizing, and integrating direct quotes
Research for paper
Lesson 17
Rhetorical analysis: assessing effectiveness of an essay
Lesson 18
Overview of different types of claims
Lesson 19
Workshop on works cited page MLA format
Lesson 20
Definitional arguments; class discussion
Lesson 21
Causal arguments:
Writing Arguments/Other materials
Lesson 22
First Draft of Research paper due (including works cited)
Lesson 23
Resemblance arguments;
Feedback on first draft of research paper
Lesson 24
Workshopping research paper
Checking layout, MLA style, use of citations
Lesson 25
Evaluation and ethical arguments; last minute questions/difficulties with research paper/ revision in class; student errors of citation format and corrections together
Lesson 26
Proposal arguments
Lesson 27
Preparation for final exam
Lesson 28
Course evaluation; general revision for final exam