Current Issues in Argumentation Theory

Graduate

This course will introduce students to the current leading theories and theoretical controversies in argumentation theory. It will do so from a variety of perspectives, including the logical, the dialectical and the rhetorical. It will cover such topics as rhetorical vs. epistemic uses of argument, the use of ideal models in argumentation analysis, the current state of fallacy theory, relations of argumentation theory to other fields, such as law, computer science, philosophy. Prerequisites: This graduate course requires that the student have completed an undergraduate degree. Normally, the student will have completed at least two undergraduate courses in such areas as logic (formal or informal), critical thinking, argumentation, theory of argument, rhetoric, or dialectic. (Prerequisites: permission of instructor.)