teacherspayteachers Welcome to CHS Argument and Rhetoric!

1. www.teacherspayteachers.comWelcome to CHS Argument and Rhetoric! Mr. Duchin Room 302 Quaker Valley High School 2014 - 2015 4

4. S.W.E.A.T. pledge(Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) NOTE: The following guidelines were borrowed from Mike Rowe [Dirty Jobs].http://profoundlydisconnected.com/skill-work-ethic-arent-taboo/ 1. I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the Earth. I live in America. Above all things, I am grateful. [Value your life, yourself and others around you.] 2. I believe that I am entitledto life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also understand that “happiness” and the “pursuit of happiness” are not the same thing. [Seize the day!] 3. I believe there is no such thing as a “bad job.” I believe that all jobs are opportunities, and it’s up to me to make the best of them. [Every assignment is an opportunity to learnand grow as a person.] 4. I do not “follow my passion.” I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm. [Maintain a positive attitude throughout every task in every lesson. Create energy!] 5. I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can’t afford. [Invest in yourself; earn your best grade; don’t fear failure.] 6. I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in “compliance” does not necessarily mean I’m out of danger. [Powerschool is not a safety net – it’s a scoreboard.]

5. S.W.E.A.T. pledge(Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) NOTE: The following guidelines were borrowed from Mike Rowe [Dirty Jobs].http://profoundlydisconnected.com/skill-work-ethic-arent-taboo/ 7. I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late, and cheerfully volunteer for every crappy task there is. [Feel free to come in before/after school to check progress.] 8. I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make them. If I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy. [Enough said.] 9. I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me. I will never stop learning, and understand that library cards are free. [Take initiative to catch up or move ahead. Challenge yourself.] 10. I believe that I am a product of my choices – not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do. [Take responsibility for your learning and protect your integrity (no cheating) for future opportunities.] 11. I understand the world is not fair, and I’m OK with that. I do not resent the success of others. [Respect and support everyone’s right to learn; do not distract others with off-task behavior/attitude.] 12. I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some choose to be lazy. Some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off. [Make the choice everyday.]

6. Required Materials CHS Argument • Pencil/pen • Assigned text • Completed homework • Calendar book for deadlines • Folder to organize class materials • Notebook for class discussions/activities • Laptop (to be issued/authorized by QVHS)

7. Mr. Duchin’s Class Procedures • Arrive to class on time – before the bell. • If you’re outside the door when the bell rings, you’re late. • Three late arrivals will result in a detention. • NOTE: Punctuality is a part of integrity/ethical argumentation. • Immediately take out your notebook and pen for the following tasks. • Look up at the front board and copy the day’s date. • Copy the day’s quote (including the name of the author/speaker). • Copy the learning targets for the day. • Check out the board behind Mr. Duchin’s desk for deadline information. • NOTE: Responsibility is a part of integrity/ethical argumentation. • Fully participate in the lesson. • Treat the lesson like an important meeting – politely listen/respond to others. • Use your notebook to take notes on information shared. • Write down questions in your notebook – ask them! • Write down deadline information from the board behind Mr. Duchin’s desk. • NOTE: Respecting others is also a part of integrity/ethical argumentation • Turn in all assignments on time – especially after an absence.

8. Powerschool vs. Blackboard • Check Powerschoolfor grades and overdueassignments. • Assignments turned in on time will remain blank until graded. • “Ex” in Powerschool indicates an excused assignment. • “M” in Powerschool indicates a missing assignment. • “L” in Powerschool indicates a late assignment. • Late assignments will be penalized 20% for each day past. • Use Blackboardfor assignment information/deadlines. • Students will self-enroll on Bb after laptop distribution. • Students should check Bb daily for lessons, deadlines, etc.

9. CHS Argument Assessments • Assessment FOR learning (formative) = 10% • “First look” analysis of relevant issues (for argumentation) • Process writing • Chapter assignments (following assigned reading) • First drafts of debate speeches/outlines • Regular/proper use of Noodle Tools for collection of evidence. • Class activities/discussions • Fluency drills and SPAR debates (including the use of flowing) • A 20 percent penalty will be imposed for each day work is late. • NOTE: Students must take the initiative to submit excused or unexcused late work. • Assessment OF learning (summative) = 90% • Formal and finalized (revised) “first look” analysis/essays • Extended chapter assignments • Quizzes and exams (online and on paper), and presentations • Independent and collaborative projects AND formal debates • Evaluations of formal debates and other examples of argumentation • A 20 percent penalty will be imposed for each day work is late. • NOTE: Students must take the initiative to submit excused or unexcused late work.

10. CHS Argument – Terms A and B • Argument Theory • The historical, cultural and philosophical elements that shape argument • The importance of language/rhetoric in communicating an argument • Constructing a valid and ethical argument • The use of values in argument • The role of the audience • The narrative paradigm • The nature of evidence • The research process • Reasoning vs. fallacies of logic • Effective elements of public speaking • The demands/challenges of formal debate • The use of Shakespeare to enhance argumentation • Evaluation and criticism of arguments in today’s society • Evaluation of debate performances within class and beyond • Argument Practice • Informal and formal seminar discussions, presentations, role play and spar debates • Performance of extemporaneous and manuscript pieces of argumentation • Preparation/performance for this year’s CHS Argument Forum • Resolved: “All Americans have a fair opportunity to succeed.” • Lincoln-Douglas – team debate • Parliamentary – team debate • Policy – team debate

11. www.imdb.com

12. CHS Argument – Term C • Argument Theory Within The Law • Due process within our civil and criminal justice systems • Student rights within public education • Current challenges/issues for the Supreme Court • Argument Theory and Practice for Mock Trial • Elements of effective opening and closing statements • Elements of effective witness testimony • Elements of effective direct and cross examination • Rules of Evidence and Rules of Competition - objections • Procedural law vs. substantive law • Participation in Ethics Symposium • Duquesne University sponsorship • Socratic seminars • Contributions for next year’s CHS Argument Forum

15. Contact Information • Email Mr. Duchin at duchinm@qvsd.org • Start your subject heading with your first and last name. • Title all attachments with your full name followed by a title. • Check for Mr. Duchin’s response within 24 hours – save it. • Feel free to see/call Mr. Duchin before/after school. • Find Mr. D in room 302 - no appointment is necessary. • Call Mr. D at 412-749-5557 (X-6704) and leave a message. • Contact Mr. Duchin within 24 hours after an absence. • Use email! (Follow the above guidelines.) • See Mr. Duchin before or after school. (Class time is limited.)

16. Enjoy your year in CHS Argument and Rhetoric! http://mrwriteon.wordpress.com http://en.wikipedia.org