Introduction to Argument Writing

Course Description

This course develops students' abilities in argument writing and persuasive reasoning within an academic setting. It introduces them to the principles of critical thinking and shows them how to organize ideas logically and support them with credible evidence. Students also learn to evaluate written arguments and use sources accurately in accordance with APA academic conventions. Class work is activity-based and encourages collaboration. Students discuss and write about issues that move gradually from familiar university topics to national and international themes. The course also introduces the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Students learn what AI is and how to use it in prompt design and research for oral presentations. The course concludes with a graded presentation that develops students' confidence in speaking and in giving and receiving feedback. It prepares them to engage thoughtfully and communicate more effectively in writing and speech.

Prerequisite

• ENGL101

Course Materials

• An Introduction to Argument Writing (course PowerPoint materials on Blackboard)

ENGL102 Course Components

Assessment Components

• Paraphrase Test: 10%
  • Students must produce five paraphrases on a broadly familiar topic. These will increase in difficulty and focus on different aspects of paraphrasing, such as adapting vocabulary and sentence structure, comparing and contrasting statistical data, summarizing information, and integrating paraphrases into a wider argument.
• Writing Task 1: 15%
  • Students must write a four-paragraph argumentative essay on a topic of local relevance. Writing Task 1 focuses primarily on applying an argumentative structure, identifying trends and events, paraphrasing, incorporating and interpreting evidence, developing evaluative ideas, and demonstrating higher-order thinking.
• Writing Task 2: 20%
  • Students must write a four-paragraph argumentative essay on a topic of national relevance. Writing Task 2 additionally focuses on deciding and developing an argumentative position, identifying and selecting evidence from sources, and summarizing and interpreting figures.
• Writing Task 3: 25%
  • Students must write a five-paragraph argumentative essay, including a counterargument paragraph, on a topic of international, academic relevance. Writing Task 3 additionally focuses on identifying and explaining a conflicting argument, and developing appropriate rebuttals in an academic style.
• Oral Presentation: 15%
  • Students will prepare and deliver a formal multimedia presentation on an argumentative topic. Particular areas of focus include selecting and researching a topic, designing an academically appropriate presentation, using spoken rhetorical and cohesive devices, and evaluating source quality.

Dammam Community College

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Overview:

Dammam Community College (DCC) is a public college located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Established in 2003, it operates under the auspices of King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) and is regulated by the Council of Higher Education. DCC was inaugurated by King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud in 2004.

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Services Offered:

DCC offers a range of services to its students, including:

Academic Programs:

DCC provides various academic programs, including associate degrees and diplomas.

Support Services:

The college offers support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and library resources.

Training Programs:

DCC provides training programs and short courses to meet the needs of the community, government, and businesses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Quality Education:

DCC is committed to providing high-quality education and training.

Accreditation:

The college's Computer and Information Technology, Accounting, and Marketing programs are accredited by the National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment (NCAAA).

Strong Foundation:

DCC provides students with a solid academic foundation and prepares them for further education.

Ethical Values:

The college emphasizes the development of high ethical and Islamic values in its graduates.

Lifelong Learning:

DCC encourages its graduates to engage in lifelong learning.

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Academic Programs:

DCC offers a variety of academic programs, including:

Associate Degrees:

DCC offers associate degrees in various fields, including Computer and Information Technology, Accounting, and Marketing.

Diplomas:

The college also offers diplomas in specialized areas.

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Other:

Vision:

DCC aims to be a premier college in providing quality educational services and valued training to all stakeholders.

Mission:

The college is committed to motivating students to achieve their educational goals, providing a broad range of programs, and offering education and training according to community needs.

Objectives:

DCC's objectives include preparing qualified graduates, providing a solid academic foundation, training students in communication and teamwork, graduating students with high ethical values, enhancing graduates' ability to engage in lifelong learning, and serving the community through training programs and educational services.