AP/MODR1770 6.0 G: Techniques of Persuasion
Offered by: MODR
Session
Fall 2019
Term
Y
Format
LECT
Instructor
Calendar Description / Prerequisite / Co-Requisite
This is a skills-based course focusing on critical thinking, persuasive writing, and strategic argumentation. Examples are drawn from various forms of persuasion including advertising, propaganda and political argument. Course credit exclusions: AP/MODR 1730 6.00, AP/MODR 1760 6.00. Note: This is an approved LA&PS General Education course: Humanities OR Social Science.
Course Website
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Dr. Dan McArthur
Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Email: djmc@Yorku.ca
Students are encouraged to maintain contact with the instructor during office hours. These are held weekly and are DROP IN.
Office: Department of Philosophy, S425 Ross Building
Office hours (drop in): Tuesday 3:00 – 4:00 PM
The aim of this course is to develop skills of reasoning and argumentation specially designed for use in academic studies, the professions, and everyday life. With a special focus on moral issues, students will develop skills in analyzing arguments, distinguishing good from bad arguments, spot weaknesses in arguments, clarify concepts and terms, as well as articulating strong arguments that pass the test of rational scrutiny.
The Power of Critical Thinking
C. Vaughn and L. MacDonald. Oxford University Press
Fall mid-term test: 25%
Fall exam: 25%
Winter mid-term test: 25%
Final winter exam: 25%
The course is divided into two parts. The first part is devoted to learning analytical techniques used to differentiate good arguments from bad ones (e.g. the distinction between deductive and inductive reasoning, fallacies, etc.). The second part deepens these analytic skills by considering further challenges to sound reasoning and the ways to overcome these challenges. In this process, the relationship between scientific thinking and moral reasoning is explored. In examining moral reasoning, special emphasis will be put on issues arising in the domain of law, health, and ethics.
The objectives will be (1) to learn about the questions, concepts, and methods of critical reasoning and (2) to develop skills for independent critical inquiry using these questions, concepts, and methods, and to understand the challenges they present.
- Attendance is recommended in this course.
- There may be additional readings. These will be announced in class, and students will be directed to York University Library website for access to the readings.
- Any further information and any possible changes will be announced in class.
- Weekly readings, lecture notes, sample exams and test dates will be posted on the course website
- Academic Honesty
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Religious Observance
- Grading Scheme and Feedback
- 20% Rule
No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20% of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered in the compressed summer terms. - Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
