Current Event Assignment (Week Three - Stuart Wallace)

Below is a link to a video that attempts to show both sides of the controversy I'll be talking about tomorrow: the "war on christmas". Basically, the controversy is over whether or not, during the holiday season, local or state governments or other public institutions should be permitted to display/endorse christmas trees or other Christian symbols.

Current Event Assignment (Week Three - Jake Rukin)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/us/politics/17detain.html?scp=1&sq=torture%20prosecution&st=cse

This is a New York Times article on the controversy surrounding whether or not the new administration will prosecute members of the the Bush administration for torturing prisoners.

Current Event Assignment (Week Three - Joe Karmin)

Here is a link of Mark McGwire, a Hall of Fame candidate, at the Senate being questioned.

Current Event Assignment (Week Two - Meghan Truc)

Controversy Surrounding Gov. Blagojevich

Hi, Everyone! Check out this link from the Chicago Tribune that outlines the case for Gov. Blagojevich. It's dated from this past December, but provides a great amount of background info.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rod-blagojevich-1209,0,7997804.story

I'm sure most of you have already begun to formulate your own opinions so I look forward to hearing them tomorrow and see the responding post you all make!

Current Event Assignment (Week 1 - Sample)

Hi everyone-
Here is clip of a 60 Minutes interview with President Obama. In this clip, President Obama states his commitment to issue executive orders to close Guantanamo Bay and end extreme interrogation practices.



Please feel free to respond back with comments!

-Lisa
CMN 323 teaching intern

60 Minutes: Obama Reiterates Promise To Close Guantanamo Bay, End Torture

Welcome

The purpose of this course is to help you become a critical consumer and conscientious producer of arguments. To begin the class, we will read some fairly difficult theoretical articles about argumentation. Then, we will use that theory to explore various topics. We proceed from the basic assumption that our ability to make arguments and participate in public debate is shaped by a host of influences, including education, life experience, personal background, institutional affiliation, and cultural and political trends. One major goal of Argumentation 323 is to prepare and encourage you to go out into the world to listen to others’ arguments and make your own arguments.  Along the way, your skills in constructing oral and written persuasive message will improve.