Syllabus in Argumentation and Debate

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Course Description:

A course on the art of argumentation and debate; including familiarization of important concepts, and the development of logical thinking and persuasive speech and writing skills.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. define the various concepts of argumentation and debate;

2. state a proposition and its issues;

3. differentiate proof and evidence;

4. use inductive and deductive reasoning;

5. identify fallacies;

6. use conviction and persuasion in reading and writing; and

7. participate in an oral debate.

Course Outline:

I.    Introduction to the Course

      A. Getting to know the instructor, the students, and the course

      B. Distribution of course syllabus

      C. Introduction to Argumentation and Debate

II.   What is Argumentation and Debate?

      A. Argumentation and debate

      B. Conviction and persuasion

      C. Argumentation in human relations

III. The proposition

      A. The subject of a proposition

      B. Classes of propositions

      C. Forms of the proposition

      D. Characteristics of a proposition

IV. The Burden of Proof and Presumptions

      A. The burden of proof

      B. The presumptions

            1. Theory of presumptions

            2. Classes of presumptions

V.  The Theory of Issues

      A. Definition of issues

      B. Issues in general argumentation

      C. Duties of the affirmative and the negative

      D. Issues and partition

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

VI. Evidence

      A. Definition of evidence

      B. Evidence and proof

      C. Sources of evidence

      D. Witnesses

      E.  Classes of evidence

      F.  Other terms used in law

      G.  Tests of evidence

VII. Inductive reasoning

      A. Inductive methods

      B. Argument from antecedent probability

      C. Argument from example

VIII. Deductive reasoning

      A. Definition of syllogism

      B. Rules of syllogism

      C. Classes of syllogism

      D. Modified forms of syllogism

MIDTERM EXAMINATION

IX. Fallacies

      A. Rhetorical fallacies

      B. Logical fallacies

X.  The Debate

      A. The introduction, discussion, and conclusion

      B. Refutation and rebuttal

      C. Types of debate

      D. Delivery

FINAL EXAMINATION

 

Textbooks/Materials:

Africa, Francisco M. (1952). The art of argumentation and debate. Manila: Far Eastern University. (A classic textbook on the subject; apparently written for law students.)

Miller, R. K. (1986). The informed argument: A multidisciplinary reader and guide. USA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (Contains argumentative essays on several disciplines. Available at the college library.)