Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Arts and Letters

Department of English, Foreign Languages and Linguistics
Sta. Mesa, Manila

COURSE OUTLINE
ENGL 3063 – ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE

Course Description:

This is a three-hour-per-week course which trains the students to think and reason out critically
by studying and applying the principles and techniques of sound argumentation and debate.

Objectives:

This course aims to develop the students into critical thinkers through constant and consistent
application of the principles and techniques of reasoned discourses.

Specifically, this course aims for the students to:

1. Understand the philosophy, principles, conventions, strategies, and tactics of argumentation in
general, and of debating in particular;
2. Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate spoken and written arguments;
3. Recognize, identify, and respond to fallacious and rhetorical reasonings;
4. Demonstrate an ability to argue both sides of the issue with relevant pieces of evidence; and
5. Appreciate and apply the values of critical thinking in each academic and practical discourse.

Course Content:

Week 1 Philosophical and Preliminary Concepts

Philosophy and Foundations of Debate
Definitions of and Distinctions Between Terms (Argument, Argumentation, Debate,
Proposition, Persuasion and Conviction)
Elements, Nature, Characteristics and Modes of Argumentation
Week 2 Critical Thinking
Individual Decision, Group Discussion, Persuasion, Propaganda, Coercion, Ethical
Decision Making
Applied and Academic Debate
Applied Debate, Academic Debate, Ethical Standards for Debate
Week 3 Stating the Controversy
Defining the Controversy, Phrasing the Debate Proposition, Presumption and Burden of
Proof, Types of Debate Propositions
Analyzing the Controversy
The Importance of Defining Terms, Methods of Defining Terms, Issues
Week 4 Evidence

1
 Sources of Evidence, Types of Evidence, Probative Value of Evidence, Uses and Tests of
Credible Evidence, Tests of Audience Acceptability
Weeks 5 to 6 Structure and Types of Reasoning
Classical Structures, Elements of Any Argument, Extending the Elements of Argument,
Degrees of Cogency, Tests of Reasoning and Their Uses, General Types of Reasoning,
Types and Tests of Reasoning
Weeks 7 to 9 Obstacles to Clear Thinking
Fallacies of Evidence, Fallacies of Reasoning, Fallacies of Language, Fallacies of Pseudo-
Arguments
Week 9 Midterm Examination
Weeks Requirements of the Case
10 to 11 Requirements to Present a Prima Facie Case, General Case Requirements
Building the Affirmative Case
Objectives of the Affirmative Case, Propositions of Policy Affirmative Cases, Building for
Optimum Capability, Alternative Debate Approaches
Building the Negative Case
Objectives of the Negative Case, Proposition of Value Negative Cases, Proposition of
Policy negative Approaches
Week 12 Refutation
Preparing for Refutation, Selecting Evidence and Reasoning, The Structure of
Refutation, Methods of Refutation
Week 13 Presenting the Case: Composition
Analysis of the Audience, Written and Oral Style, Philosophy of Style, Factors of Style in
Speech Composition, Rhetorical Factors in Speech Communication, Editing
Week 14 Presenting the Case: Delivery
Methods of Delivery, Steps to Good Delivery, Nonverbal Communication and Other
Considerations, Tournament Debate Delivery
Week 15 Academic Debate Formats and Cross-Examination
Forms of Debate, Adapting Debate to Communication Media
Week 16 Applied Parliamentary Debate
Sources of Parliamentary Debate Rules, Order of Business, Presentation of Motion,
Procedure of Motion, Purposes of Motion
Week 17 to 18 Simulated Debate
Final Examination

Methodology:

To meet the set objectives for this course, the following student-centered methodologies shall
be undertaken:
Lecture-discussions Team Presentations
Graded Recitations Quizzes and Exercises
Brainstorming and Buzz Sessions Simulated Debates
Examinations

2
Grading System:

The following grading system shall be used in evaluating the students’ performance:

(A) First Grading Period (B) Second Grading Period

Attendance 15% Attendance 15%
Recitation 15% Recitation 15%
Quizzes 15% Quizzes 15%
Team Research Presentations 15% Simulated Debate 25%
Attitude 10% Attitude 10%
Midterm Examination 30% Final Examination 20%
Final Grade = A + B ÷ 2

Cumulative absence of nine (9) hours on valid causes shall be allowed; however, each absence
shall incur a point-twenty-five (0.25) point for the first four (4), and a point-five (0.5) point deduction on
the succeeding two absences, from the attendance metric, to wit:
 1 absence = 1.25
 2 absences = 1.5
 3 absences = 1.75
 4 absences = 2.0
 5 absences = 2.5
 6 absences = 3.0
 7 or more absences = 5.0
Cumulative tardiness of one ninety (90) minutes shall have the value of one (1) absence, unless
prior consent from the professor has been sought by the student.

References:

1. Freeley, Austin J. and David L. Steinberg. Argumentation and Debate Critical Thinking for
Reasoned Decision Making, 12th edition. Wadsworth, 2009.
2. Johnson, Steven L. Winning Debates A Guide to Debating in the Style of the World Universities
Debating Championships. New York: IDebate Press, 2009.
3. Moore and Parker, Critical Thinking. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2006.
4. Africa, Francisco M. The Art of Argumentation and Debate.
5. Other relevant printed and online materials.

Prepared by:

Prof. Elmer P. Brabante, LlB

November 2013