Argumentative Strategies
Objectives
a) To analyze arguments, highlighting the type of argument scheme used to support a conclusion
b) To assess the probative weight of an argument
c) To individuate fallacies and counter weak or deceptive arguments
d) To improve interpretation and critical thinking abilities
Transferable Skills:
Assessing arguments; argumentation and critical thinking skills; presentational abilities.
The analysis of the argument structure improves the students ability to individuate and reconstruct the implicit dimensions of reasoning. The explanation of basic logical concepts provides the students with instruments for assessing the validity of arguments and individuating formal fallacies. The teaching of fundamental argumentation schemes provides the student with an instrument for the analysis, reconstruction and evaluation of arguments, leading them to distinguishing between reasonable or acceptable arguments and fallacious moves. The analysis of emotions is carried out in relation with the argument
General characterization
Code
722011050
Credits
10.0
Responsible teacher
Maria Grazia Rossi
Hours
Weekly - 3
Total - 280
Teaching language
English
Prerequisites
Available soon
Bibliography
Burgers, C., Konijn, E. A. & Steen, G. J. (2016). Figurative framing: Shaping public discourse through metaphor, hyperbole, and irony. Communication theory, 26(4), 410-430.
Entman, R.M. (1993). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm. Journal of communication, 43(4), 51-58.
Macagno, F. & Botelho Wakim Souza Pinto, R. (2021). Reconstructing Multimodal Arguments in Advertisements: Combining Pragmatics and Argumentation Theory. Argumentation, 35(1), 141–176.
Mercuri, C. (2023). Characterization Frames Constructing Endoxa in Activists' Discourse About the Public Controversy Surrounding Fashion Sustainability. Topoi, 42(2), 635–650.
Rossi, M.G. (2021). Metaphors and persuasion in healthcare communication. Langages, (2), 59-76.
Sullivan, K. (2023). Three levels of framing. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science, 14(5), e1651.
van Eemeren, F.H. & Henkemans, F. (2016). Argumentation: Analysis and Evaluation (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Teaching method
The UC uses teaching methodologies that guarantee the fulfilment of the learning objectives through a dialogical-argumentative approach. The active involvement of participants will be guaranteed through the discussion of academic texts coming from the most recent and up-to-date research in argumentation and strategic communication. Participants will be able to discuss research methods and tools in strategic argumentation and communication in various practical contexts and with experts from different fields. Participants will be asked to present case studies, which will be further analyzed in their final written project.
Evaluation method
- Attendance and participation (20%)
- Individual and/or Group Work: Presentation of case studies (30%)
- Written essay (50%)
The assessment of participants‘ active participation in discussions of academic texts during classes will be complemented by the evaluation of individual assignments. Through the discussion of case studies, the aim is to strengthen participants’ skills in the critical and reasoned presentation of their ideas and those of others. The main aim of the final written project is to produce an academic text in which the theoretical framework is applied to the discussion of a case study.
Subject matter
I. An overview of argumentative strategies within argumentation theory
a) Argumentative dialogues and their components
b) Structure and functions of arguments
c) Reasonableness and effectiveness of arguments
d) Strategic maneuvering and argumentative moves
II. Framing strategies as argumentative strategies
e) A ‘fractured paradigm’: theory and analysis of frames
f) Frames: between language, cognition and communication
g) The place of framing strategies in argumentation theory
h) Figurative frames as argumentative strategies
III. Frames and argumentative strategies in different contexts
i) health communication
j) sustainable fashion campaigns
k) advertising campaigns