Official Course Description:   MCCCD Approval:  06/27/95
COM222      19956-19995	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Argumentation
Discussion and practice of the use of evidence, applied reasoning, recognition of fallacies, selection of arguments, and methods of analyzing issues. Prerequisites: None.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
COM222   19956-19995	Argumentation

1.	Identify and describe the basic elements of the debate process.(I)
2.	Identify the skill of debate. (I)
3.	Identify the players in a debate and describe their roles. (II)
4.	Identify the elements of propositions. (II)
5.	Identify, compare and contrast the debate formats. (III)
6.	Identify and describe speaker strategies and responsibilities. (III)
7.	Identiy amd descibe the types of propositions. (IV)
8.	Identify and describe the elements of the affirmative position. (V)
9.	Identify and describe the elements of the negative position. (VI)
10.	Search, evaluate, and record evidence in preparation for a debate. (VII)
11.	Identify a variety of sources of research information. (VII)
12.	Demonstate the ability to listen and flowchart a debate process. (IX)
13.	Write affirmative and negative briefs. (IX)
14.	Demonstrate debate skills in the presentation of two debate formats. (X)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
COM222   19956-19995	Argumentation

I. The Debate Process A. Basic Elements of Debate B. Skills of Debate 1. Leadership 2. Investigation and Analysis 3. Critical Thinking 4. Open-mindedness 5. Thinking on Your Feet 6. Speaking 7. Organization 8. Self-Confidence 9. Teamwork and Cooperation II. How Debate Works A. The Players 1. The Affirmative 2. The Negative 3. The Timekeeper 4. The Judge B. The Problem Area C. Proposition Elements 1. Significance 2. Controversial 3. Single Idea 4. Debatability 5. Durability III. Debate Formats and Speaker Responsibilities A. Formats 1. Standard 2. Cross-examination 3. Lincoln-Douglas B. Preparation Time C. Speaker Strategies and Responsibilities 1. First Affirmative Constructive 2. First Negative Constructive 3. Second Affirmative Constructive 4. Second Negative Constructive 5. First Negative Rebuttal 6. First Affirmative Rebuttal 7. Second Negative Rebuttal 8. Second Affirmative Rebuttal IV. Propositions A. The Problem Area B. What is a Proposition? 1. Choosing 2. Stating C. Types of Propositons 1. Propositons of Fact 2. Propositons of Value 3. Propositons of Policy D. Analyzing Propositons V. The Affirmative Position A. Burden of Proof B. Presumption C. Prima Facie Case D. Basic Affirmative Concepts 1. Topicality 2. Definition of Terms 3. Contentions 4. Proof and Reasoning 5. Affirmative Case 6. Affirmative Plan E. Operational Definitions F. Stock Issues 1. Harm 2. Significance 3. Inherency 4. Solvency G. Case Formats 1. Nee-Plan Case 2. Comparative Advantage 3. Other VI. The Negative Position A. Negarive Strategy 1. Topicality 2. Defense of Status Quo 3. The Counterplan B. Refutation of Stock Issues C. Refutation of Individual Arguments 1. Generalizations 2. Causal Arguments 3. Sign Arguments 4. Testimony VII. Developing Research Skills A. Searching for Evidence B. Evaluating Evidence C. REcording Evidence VIII. Research Sources A. Indexes B. Reference Books C. Periodicals D. Newspapers E. Pamphlets F. Legal Publications G. Government Documents IX. Listening, Thinking, Writing A. Writing Briefs 1. Affirmative 2. Negative B. Flowing the Debate X. Practical Application A. Policy Debate B. Value Debate C. Lincoln-Douglas Debate D. Congressional Debate

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