Argumentation and Public Advocacy

R228 — Fall 2021

Instructor
Freya Thimsen
Days and Times
9:25a - 10:40a MW (3 CR)
Course Description

Argumentation techniques are powerful tools that can be used for pure self interest and consolidating power. Good arguments can also promote policies that help people and serve the greater good. As we learn about different kinds of advocacy you will have the chance to develop your own sense of how you would like to use argumentation as a citizen concerned about the common good. You will learn specialized terms to describe how persuasion functions on the surface and deeper levels of public culture. Topics may include presidential campaign rhetoric, LGBTQ rhetoric, how university research establishes credibility, how nationalist identity fosters political change, Black liberation rhetoric, and the role of emotion in democracy. You will practice argumentation in friendly debates.

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The full details of this course are available on the Office of the Registrar website.

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