Why Argumentation ?
University Community Expectations
Critical Thinking: Members are encouraged to demand reasons and supporting evidence for positions on issues.
Avoiding Blind Agreement: Agreement should not be based solely on authority or popularity.
Nature of Course Materials
Temporal Validity: Articles and materials may change in relevance and accuracy over time as perspectives on hip hop and rap evolve.
Active Engagement: Readers should not accept the author's statements without scrutiny—fostering an environment of questioning is key.
Understanding Author's Arguments
Argument Strength: Agreement with an author should be based on the strength and validity of their argument rather than mere acceptance.
Comprehending Positions: To truly grasp a position, understanding the reasoning behind it is essential.
Focus of the Course
Complex Issues: The course aims to delve into rich and intricate issues related to hip hop and rap music.
Independent Opinions: Students are encouraged to form their own opinions rather than internalizing those presented by the authors.