Welcome to Commarts 262

Welcome to CommArts 262. This class provides a practical, grounded approach to the study of argument that is informed by appropriate argument theory (answering the questions of both how and why we argue), and, more importantly, that is enacted through specific practice in the form of group debates. The practice allows us to ground the theoretical issues of argument, thereby helping you to be more critical in your participation in public argument.

The rationale behind this class is that debate, in the context of a pluralistic democracy, matters, and it certainly matters in the context of your professional and academic careers. Therefore, this class explores ways that you can use argument to contribute to the different communities that you are involved in, especially in creating discursive spaces that allow for ethical engagement. By learning to argue “well,” I believe that you can contribute to the efficacy of the political and cultural context within which you find yourselves, and within which you make your life. Therefore, the goal of this class is to engage you in thinking about, and performing, a productive/constructive approach to deliberation. Let the adventure begin!