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
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. (MyCompLab)
Explicit and implicit arguments
Writing and research task – a basic definitional argument to get started
Reading assignment
Lesson 3
Does truth exist? Sophism and winning arguments.
Truth-seeking and persuasion; preparation for in-class essay 1
Topic: Student-rights issues
Lesson 4
In-class essay 1
Lesson 5
Feedback on in-class essay 1 and in-class revision/rewriting activities
Writing task
Lesson 6
Reading and inquiry
How to explore issues and generate ideas
A contemporary discussion: immigration, ‘ius soli’, travellers and Roma people.
Reading and 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
Prepare for At Home Essay 1 on an issue question
Reading assignment: sexual/gender ethics
Lesson 9
Considering your audience
Moving your audience
How to look at both sides of the issue: rebutting and condeding
Lesson 10
Preaching to the converted v. Persuading a resistant audience
Rogerian Argumentation
Human rights issue
Lesson 11
At home Essay 2
Introduction to the research paper. What is it?
Finding something to write about.
Presenting a first research proposal
Lesson 12
Coming up with a research question
Backing up your argument with sources; why 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.
preparation for mid-term
Lesson 14
Preparation for mid-term
Lesson 15
MIDTERM exam: finding sources and presenting them
Lesson 16
Feedback on midterm;.
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
In class essay 2
Lesson 19
Workshop on works cited page MLA format
Lesson 20
Definitional arguments; class discussion
Freedom fighter or terrorist?
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
Research paper due
Lesson 26
Proposal arguments
Lesson 27
Preparation for final exam
Lesson 28
Course evaluation; general revision for final exam