n.b the schedule is subject to change
At least two library visits will also be scheduled during the course
In-class essays may be scheduled as and when deemed necessary and at least four visits to the writing center are recommended.
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