ENG 455: Persuasive Writing

Hierarchies of value

DG — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:18:06 +0000

Ethicist Peter Singer on the Harvard Moral Sense (or “trolley”) Test: “Reason with Yourself.” From Perelman’s perspective, our intuitive sense that it would be more wrong to actively take a life than allow someone to be killed in order to save others if a function of the locus of essence; Singer, taking a utilitarian approach, argues from the locus of quantity, asserting that “the death of one person is a lesser tragedy than the death of five, no matter how that death is brought about.”

Rhetorical constraints

DG — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:09:20 +0000

An example of rhetorical contraints (and commonplaces) in action: “White House Says Obama Is Christian, Prays Daily.” The Constitution prohibits religious tests for public office or civil service, yet Obama feels compelled to demonstrate his religiosity. Why?

Welcome

DG — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:16:46 +0000

Class,

Welcome to ENG 455, Persuasive Writing. Please take note of the following:

1. This class requires extensive reading, writing, and speaking, with daily written assignments and the expectation that you will fully participate in each class session. I have posted a tentative syllabus online; please review it to ensure your interest and ability to meet the class requirements. If you decide not to remain, please drop NOW to allow others to enroll.

2. Most of the course readings are available through the website. Familiarize yourself now so that there are no access problems later. I have sent password information to your UTK email account through Blackboard. Contact me if you have any trouble or need the password.

3. There is a reading and writing assignment due the first day of class. Please read Monty Python, “Argument Sketch,” and Nancy Wood, “Argument Basics” (available online under “Readings”). Write a 200-250 word reaction paper that answers the question: Does the “Argument Sketch” feature an argument?

4. You are responsible for obtaining all books by the 3rd week of class regardless of availability at bookstore; all are available through Amazon.com and other book retailers.

5. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m looking forward to meeting you.

Cheers,