April 9

Today we responded to a comic about argument for writing into the day.  Next, we talked about the following red tape:

• If you want 10 points extra credit on your Annotated Bibliography second draft, revise it thoughtfully and turn it back into BlackBoard by Friday at midnight.

• If you do not turn a draft into BlackBoard, you will receive a zero on the entire assignment (all drafts, workshop and reflections).  This is in the syllabus and has been discussed in class before.

• The last day to turn in drafts for feedback from Megan is April 18.  Email these drafts to Megan.  (This is NOT the due date for final drafts.  This is only for extra feedback.)

Then, we read about the structure of the Toulmin argument on pages 153-156 of Practical Argument.  In groups, we read the example essay that begins on page 157 and discussed the five questions at the end of the essay.
We discussed the organization of the Toulmin dialogue, which is as follows:

• Cast list (including yourself)
• Describe scene.
• You: Introduce the problem.  Then, state the argument (a solution to the problem) by explaining the claim, reason and warrant.  (i.e. What are you arguing? Why are you arguing it?  What is/are the unstated assumption(s) behind that argument?)
• Sources in support of claim: Present their supporting arguments for the claim and reason. Be sure to include any important qualifiers.
• Sources of both sides: The sources that are against the claim will offer their arguments.  The sources in support of the claim will rebuttal each argument.  (This will be back and forth communication.).
• You: Explain the “now what.”  This will state steps that can be taken in support of the claim.  (i.e. Meetings between certain groups, advertising in particular places, talking to particular government officials, etc.)

Finally, we began brainstorming by writing out the claim, reason and warrant of our papers.  Then, we began writing out the backing for the claim.

No homework due Thursday.

Homework due Friday at midnight:

• On your blog, respond to the four questions in Megan's email about her comments on the Annotated Bibliography.

* Next class, bring laptop, sources and any relevant papers.  We will be brainstorming and having work time for the Toulmin dialogue.