Aggressive and Cooperative Argumentation
To complete this assignment, first listen to the following explanation. Note: if you have not already done so, read the introduction to the competency assignments by clicking “Previous” at the bottom of this page. After listing to the explanation, you are ready to complete the assignment. As you do so, remember our list of characteristics of these two types of argument: Aggressive Argumentation Shouting Propaganda Scoring Points One-sided Not listening Manipulative Effective in the Short Term Cooperative Argumentation Reasoning Truth-seeking Finding Solutions Multi-sided Listening Collaborative Effective in the Long Term Assignment Description For your first competency assignment, I’d like you to apply the ideas about cooperative and aggressive argumentation. To complete this assignment do the following: read the comments on articles in one of Utah’s main newspapers or news radio stations. To find articles go to the Salt Lake Tribune, the Deseret News (Links to an external site.) , or KSL. While you should read the articles themselves, focus on the comments that follow the article. As you read, look for comments that engage in cooperative or aggressive argumentation. Write and submit in Canvas a paragraph response that gives examples of aggressive and cooperative argumentation in the article comment sections. The best answers will quote short passages from the comments to illustrate cooperative and aggressive argumentation. If you cannot find good examples of both types of argumentation, you have two options. Either, choose another article with comments that do feature both types, or explain why you think one type of argumentation is missing and find specific elements where it looks like the authors are at least trying to demonstrate that element. Bear in mind that cooperation and aggression are not the same as agreement and disagreement; they might be related, but they’re certainly not the same. I break it down something (Yes, my handwriting is THAT BAD. Be glad you have me for an online-only class.) To complete the assignment, click the Submit button on the right side of your screen (you may need to scroll up to find it). Note: if you write your response in a word processor and then upload the file, be sure to save the document as a .doc, .docx, or .rtf file. This low-stakes assignment connects the the following learning outcomes from the syllabus: Course Learning Outcomes: 4) Carefully and critically read written arguments, identifying the use of rhetorical techniques by the author. 5) Think critically about arguments by exploring multiple perspectives. General Education Outcomes: 1) Read effectively, constructively, and critically.
