LANG 2150 - Argumentative Writing for Business Dr. Barbara Richter Instructor

I.   COURSE OUTLINE AND TITLE:

     LANG 2150 - Argumentative Writing for Business

II.  INSTRUCTOR:

     Dr. Barbara Richter

     223 Gemwood Court
     Kissimmee, FL  34743

     Phone:  (407) 344-2430
     E-mail: richterb@polaris.nova.edu or Bb123ww@aol.com
     Fax.  (407) 344-2096


III. REQUIRED MATERIALS:

     Rottenberg, Annette T. Elements of Argument: A Text and Reader, 
     6th edition, 2000. St. Martin's Press, Inc.  ISBN: 0-312-19576-1.



IV.  COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:

     A writing course designed to introduce the student to various 
     argumentative strategies appropriate to the business environment.  
     Particular attention will be paid to the relative value of inductive 
     and deductive forms of argument. Practice in the use of various 
     rhetorical devices to enhance agreement.

Students will:

1.   Develop writing skills appropriate to the field of business.

2.   Enhance skills required for all forms of written communication.

3.   Further refine ways of successfully organizing and expressing ideas 
     coherently and concisely.

4.   Understand various strategies required in argumentative writing: 
     analysis, logical reasoning, anticipation and refutation of opposing 
     ideas, reconciliation between opposing ideas.

5.   Recognize and avoid argumentative fallacies.


6.   Understand and use support, claims and warrants in writing typical 
     of the business environment.

7.   Understand and use various research strategies in writing.

8.   Properly use quotations and paraphrase to support an argumentative 
     thesis.

9.   Demonstrate an ability to incorporate outside information into a 
     writing assignment in a way that avoids plagiarism or inaccuracies 
     in documentation.

10.  Bring clear, rational thinking to bear on contemporary business 
     issues and problems.



V.   CALENDAR OF ASSIGNMENTS:

WEEK    TOPIC                                     READING ASSIGNMENT

One     Understanding Argument                       pp. 3-24          
        Researching an Argumentative Paper           pp. 358-416
        An article of your choice from the textbook

Three       Claims                                                                                  pp. 51-105
                Two articles of your choice from the internet on
                 technology

Four         Definition                                                                             pp. 106-151
                DEFINITION PAPER DUE
                 "Warfare: An Invention"                                                     pp. 700-706

Five         Midsemester Test.
                Support                                                                                 pp. 152-198

Six           Warrants                                                                                pp. 199-238
                SUPPORT PAPER DUE

Seven       Language and Thought                                                          pp. 239-282
                WARRANTS PAPER DUE

Eight        Induction, Deduction and Logical Fallacies                           pp. 283-333
                Exit Exam.

VI. GRADING CRITERIA:

"The Farquhar Center has a Writing Across the Curriculum Policy which means that you can expect to write at least 8-20 pages for each course. At least 35% of your grade will be determined by written assignments."

Papers.............................100%

(At least two of these papers will be written in class as examinations)

Paper assignments, lengths, formats, and other specifications will be announced by the instructor at appropriate times.