Week Ten Thought Question

This week we will begin discussing our last and final paper--yes, the eight page argument paper. One of the most important things we will be focusing on involves research. We will discuss where to look, what to look for, and how to avoid plagiarism. Learning how to avoid plagiarism will be absolutely essential.

Considering that you will be using outside sources for this assignment, where are some places where you might be able to find sources? What are some ways to evaluate sources for credibility? Give an example of a credible source and give an example of a source that is not credible. Be specific. Do not duplicate other people's answers. Explain how you know the sources are credible or not.

Thanks!

Week Nine Thought Question

Last week, we read "The Declaration of Independence" and Douglass' "What To The Slave Is The Fourth of July." We will continue our unit on comparing and contrasting by reading "Biotech Century" and "Enemies of Promise." In these two essays, the authors discuss many issues that relate to genetic manipulation--namely, GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and how they are impacting the environment and us.

Quote one key line from at least two of these essays (and/or "Clan of the One-Breasted Women"). In other words, for example, you might have a quote from Jefferson and a quote from Douglass.

Respond to these quotes. Discuss how they relate or contrast to each other. Discuss whether or not you agree with the ideas presented in each quote. Rifkin and Bishop have very strong opinions about science and its advancements.

Thanks!

Week Eight Thought Question

Thanks for your posts last week! I especially appreciate the efforts of those who have been posting week to week. Remember that each post is worth 1% of your final grade. Blogging is a skill that you may need in other classes and in your careers. It also should increase your awareness of your audience and rhetorical situation. My hopes are that you will use these posts to become more conscious of your spelling, grammar and mechanics, and reasoning. These posts provide vital practice in writing.

This week's question:

Last week we read essays by Jimmy Carter and Elie Wiesel regarding the war in Iraq. This week we will read "Guys vs. Men" by Dave Barry and two famous documents by Thomas Jefferson and Frederick Douglass.

Use this post to compare and contrast any of these readings. Find 2-3 things they share and 2-3 places where they differ.

Remember that posts should be a minimum of five sentences to receive credit.

Thanks!

Week Seven Thought Question

Thank you for posting! We had some really strong responses to our movie! Many people did an excellent job of discussing the fallacies used in the movie and whether or not fallacies can be used in legitimate arguments!

This week we will begin working on comparing and contrasting. Why is knowing how to effectively compare and contrast an important skill? Informally compare and contrast two things (essays, narratives, or movie) we have read/watched in class.

Remember to proofread closely. Also, you must post a minimum of five sentences. I am considering giving extra credit to people who post above the minimum. Some of these replies are excellent and deserve to be rewarded accordingly.

Thank You For Smoking Part II

Many of you said that "good" arguments do not have to be ethical. If an argument is structured well, then it qualifies as "good." Some people, though, did feel that any argument should be an ethical one. And, I was impressed that a few of you questioned what was even meant by "ethics." I've been very pleased with the level of critical thinking that so many of you are exhibiting.

Here is our second question regarding our movie. Nick Naylor could be said to use fallacies of argument. Refer to our list of fallacies on my.dmacc to help you with your post. Identify some of the fallacies that are used in the movie (they don't have to be used just by Nick). Discuss whether or not fallacies belong to the "dark side" of argument, or if fallacies can be used in legitimate arguments. Define these terms however you will.

Lastly, in a nutshell, what did you learn about rhetoric and argument from this movie? What might you use to help you in your rhetorical analysis papers?

Again, proofread closely. The spelling in some of these posts is making me question whether or not to give credit to posts with blatantly poor spelling and grammar.

Overall, great work!

Thank You For Smoking

Last week, we had some truly impressive responses to the thought question given to us by Chazz. I really appreciate the way everyone replied to the question honestly. Thanks for being so candid and open. I'm anxious to read your argument papers at the end of the semester!

This week, you will be posting to two separate blogs regarding the movie Thank You For Smoking. In the movie, our main character, Nick Naylor, earns his living by "spinning" the truth about tobacco and its effects on smokers.

What are some techniques that Naylor uses to make his arguments? Are his arguments "ethical"? Can you have a "good" argument that is also "unethical"? Should arguments strive to be ethical? What do you think? Use specific examples and dialogue from the movie to answer this question.

You will be receiving a second question on Thursday.

Enjoy!