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BA 8: Logical Support and Underlying Assumptions

BA 8: Logical Support and Underlying Assumptions . ENGL 1302 November 15, 2011. BA 8. Objective : To demonstrate your ability to analyze the effectiveness of logical support in two arguments and how the support relates to each author's underlying assumptions . BA 8.

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BA 8: Logical Support and Underlying Assumptions

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  1. BA 8: Logical Support and Underlying Assumptions ENGL 1302 November 15, 2011

  2. BA 8 • Objective: To demonstrate your ability to analyze the effectiveness of logical support in two arguments and how the support relates to each author's underlying assumptions.

  3. BA 8 • Description: For this assignment, you will read six short articles from The New York Times which develop a debate over a topic. After reading these articles, you will write an essay which describes the different ideological frameworks of two of these authors. In the process, consider the following:

  4. What type of evidence/logical support does the writer use? Why does the writer think this type of evidence is convincing? • (For instance, does the writer use personal experience? Historical examples? Case studies? Statistics? Why does the writer choose one type over another?) • What does the author assume about his or her readers? How can you tell? Why would certain aspects of the logical support appeal to the readers that the author has in mind? Would any aspects of the logical support alienate a large group of readers? • What does the author assume about his or her subject? How can you tell? Which aspects of the logical support that would unconvincing to people who did not share the author's theoretical framework? Why? Is the argument still convincing, or is the author's bias detrimental to the argument's success? • (Hint--you might consider the extent to which the author's profession has influenced his or her perspective).

  5. BA 8 • Now, write a 400-600 word essay in which you analyze the authors' theoretical framework. Your essay will need to • describe the authors' framework, • analyze the ways in which the logical support demonstrates the authors' framework about the audience and subject, • and discuss the overall effectiveness of the essay.

  6. BA 8 • The articles are available at https://raiderwriter.engl.ttu.edu/SupplementalFiles/BriefAssignment8ReadingFall11.pdf • Format: MLA style for internal citations and works cited.

  7. Grading Rubric: C1—Issue Identification and Focus Does the student thoroughly analyze the kinds of support used by the authors? Does the student evaluate the effectiveness of the support?  Does the student analyze how the author’s support might reflect the writer’s ideology/theoretical framework? C2—Context and Assumptions Does the student’s analysis show an awareness of how elements, such as background, environment, bias, and so forth can influence or shape an author’s theoretical framework? C3—Sources and Evidence Does the student support his or her analysis with evidence from the texts? C5—Own Perspective Is the student’s voice apparent throughout the analysis? Does the student assert his or her own views about the effectiveness of authors' theoretical frameworks and logical support? C6—Conclusion How effectively does the conclusion pull the analysis together?  C7—Communication Does the student communicate his or her analysis effectively?  Is the student's tone professional?  Has the student organized his or her analysis effectively?  Is the analysis relatively free of grammatical errors?

  8. What is theoretical framework? • The theoretical framework is framed as "how the writer views the world" and "what type of knowledge the writer values." • If you consider those two elements, you should understand the theoretical framework. Also, bear in mind that a piece may have more than one theoretical framework. 

  9. Why should you care about theoretical framework? • The sources you will use for your argument paper have different theoretical frameworks. • You need to recognize their (and your own) theoretical framework • to develop critical thinking • to be able to understand your sources and write an effective argument • to recognize bias and avoid it in your writing

  10. Notes for a successful BA8: • Address why, logically, an argument was effective. (similar to rhetorical analysis in 1301) • Go beyond whether or not you agree with an argument. • Provide evidence from the text (be specific!) • Notice authors’ backgrounds, biases, etc.

  11. Notes for a successful BA8: • Analyze the underlying premises or unstated assumptions that shape the claims that a writer makes to identify a writer’s theoretical framework. • Answer all the questions in the prompt. • Include in-text citations and a Works Cited list (MLA) • Think critically and analyze the articles in depth. • You will not be rewarded for superficial thinking and analysis.

  12. Theoretical Framework of “Kant or Cant” p. 431 • What type of evidence/logical support does the writer use? Why does the writer think this type of evidence is convincing? (personal experience? Historical examples? Case studies? Statistics? Why one type over another?) • What does the author assume about his or her readers? How can you tell? Why would certain aspects of the logical support appeal to the readers that the author has in mind? Would any aspects of the logical support alienate a large group of readers? • What does the author assume about his or her subject? How can you tell? Which aspects of the logical support would be unconvincing to people who did not share the author's theoretical framework? Why? Is the argument still convincing, or is the author's bias detrimental to the argument's success? (Hint--you might consider the extent to which the author's profession has influenced his or her perspective).

  13. 2.1 Organization • Handbook • Checklist for constructing an argument (2:9a) • The classical system of argument outline (2:9i) • 2.1 checklist • Example of good organization (pp. 606 -609)

  14. Working on good intros (in pairs) checklist 2.1 • Narrow focus? • Argumentative, not informative? • Introduction: • Attention-grabbing first sentence? Introducing the topic effectively? • Clear controversy? • Arguable thesis statement? Clear claim, reason, qualifiers? • Introducing main points of discussion to be developed in the body? • Background: • Clear background information? Necessary? Related to the thesis or controversy?

  15. Homework • BA 8 due on Saturday Nov 19 before 11:59 pm • Reading for Tuesday 22: • Review Ch. 8 of First-Year Writing and Part 2, Section 9, "Constructing Arguments" (pp. 186-219) of St. Martin's Handbook  • Participation (in class on Tuesday 22 printed): • 2.1draft (introduction, thesis, body, lines of argument, logical support, ethical and emotional appeals (if applicable), and consideration of alternative views) • 2.1 checklist

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