Course Outline for Communication Studies 46
Argumentation and Debate

Effective: Fall 2025
SLO Rev:

Catalog Description:

COMM 46 - Argumentation and Debate

3.00 Units

Analysis of contemporary questions through written and spoken discourse. Analysis, criticism, and synthesis of contemporary moral, political, economic and philosophical issues of a diverse, multicultural society, using traditional and modern models of argumentation and debate.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000 (formerly ENGL 1)
CB03: TOP Code 1506.00 - Speech Communication
CIP Code 09.0101 - Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Recognize, define and apply the principles of argumentation and advocacy;
  2. Formulate a position, and express and defend a claim;
  3. Listen to, evaluate and respond appropriately to the claims of others;
  4. Construct logical and ethical arguments using both formal and informal persuasive techniques while employing sound reasoning to support a guiding thesis and organizational pattern suited to the audience, occasion, and purpose.
  5. Understand the variety of value systems people use in advocacy;
  6. Advocate for self and others by adopting an ethical perspective and demonstrating rhetorical sensitivity to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Adhere to ethical communication practices grounded in truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason
  7. Confidently address a live audience, defined as at least 7 individuals aged 13 and older.

Course Content:

  1. Developing persuasive speaking skills for debates by employing effective verbal and nonverbal practices while delivering a speech and/or presentation, and managing communication apprehension.
  2. Developing critical thinking skills, both written and analytic necessary for participation in a democratic society.
  3. Analyzing traditional and contemporary forms of argumentation and logic (i.e., definition of assumption, premises and conclusions, deduction and induction, and informal fallacies).
  4. Analyzing traditional and contemporary forms of persuasion, including the canons of rhetoric and Aristotelian proofs, as well as relevant principles of human communication.
  5. Identifying uses and forms of argumentation, debate, and persuasion.
  6. Exploring the ethical responsibilities of participants.
  7. Conducting audience analysis and adaptation.
  8. Researching methods for finding, critically examining, and using credible, accurate and relevant supporting materials from primary and secondary sources, evidence, and reasons.
  9. Evaluating evidence (i.e., testimony, facts, and statistics).
  10. Critically evaluating persuasive techniques (e.g., debate, advertising, political speech, propaganda).
  11. Crafting written critical analysis and oral presentation of an argumentative essay/speech.
  12. Practicing and refining concepts presented in the course through a variety of well-prepared faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated presentations and debates delivered to a live audience (one to many) using effective delivery techniques.

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Debates
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Distance Education
  4. Class and group discussions
  5. Use of Recordings
  6. Presentation
  7. Oral and Written Analysis
  8. Advisory group presentations and feedback
  9. Written assignments
  10. Activity play
  11. Peer evaluation

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Research, organize and deliver four debates.
  2. Analyze approximately 25 debates and submit written evaluations.
  3. Submit a Position Paper on a controversial topic.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. A minimum of three faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in front of a live audience (one to many) that utilize and/or analyze course concepts for a combined minimum length of 15 minutes.
  2. Graded debate ballots
  3. Graded Position Paper
  4. Graded written Case Outlines
  5. Final Examination
  6. Oral Presentation
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Adopt an ethical perspective when advocating for self and others
  2. Listen to, evaluate, and respond to the arguements of others
  3. Recognize, define, and apply the principles of argumentation and advocacy
  4. Differentiate the variety of value systems people use in advocacy
  5. Formulate a position and express and defend arguments

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Ganakos, J., Alexander, B. (2018). Guide to IPDA Debate Lee College http://www.leecollegedebate.org/uploads/2/9/7/6/29764067/lee_ipda_manual_-_abridged_-_2018.pdf.
  2. Delf, L., Drummond, R., Kelly, K. (2024). A Dam Good Argument LibreTexts https://commons.libretexts.org/book/human-174765.
  3. Mills, A. (2024). How Arguments Work LibreTexts https://commons.libretexts.org/book/human-27104.
  1. Dalton, P., Butler, J. R. (2021). Public Policy Argumentation and Debate: A Practical Guide for Advocacy (2nd). Peter Lang.
  2. Richey, P. G., Brooks, K. E. (2020). International Public Debate Association Textbook (2nd). Kendall Hunt Publishing.
  3. Heinrichs, J. (2020). Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpsons Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion (4th). Crown.
  4. Zarefsky, D. (2019). The Practice of Argumentation: Effective Reasoning in Communication Cambridge University Press.
  5. Hogan, M. J., Andrews, P. H., Andrews, J. R., Williams, G. (2021). Public Speaking and Civic Engagement (4th). Pearson.

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Analysis of contemporary questions through written and spoken discourse. Analysis, criticism, and synthesis of contemporary moral, political, economic and philosophical issues of a diverse, multicultural society, using traditional and modern models of argumentation and debate.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000 (formerly ENGL 1)

Discipline:
Communication Studies*