Argument Abounds

Here is an electronic copy of the assignment sheet: Rogerian Assignment

In order to write Rogerian argument, you must be able to clearly articulate your opponent’s position (which means their claim and their major support). You must also be able to clearly articulate your own position (your claim and your major support).

You must be able to articulate both of these positions in neutral, dispassionate (not inflammatory or biased) language. Only then can you go on to build the links between the two positions that constitute the Rogerian argument.

On Monday, 3/26, you will bring to class a draft of both position statements necessary for your argument. In peer review groups, we will check to see if you have managed to remain unbiased when stating these two positions. One tool is to use the template “Some people believe….. because… Other people believe …. because ….” In stating these positions, you will not indicate which of the “people” you agree with, and you should be able to state both positions with equal attention and equal value, so that it is not possible to tell which side you are taking. This part comes later in the paper.

To clarify, these two position statements will become part of your Rogerian paper. However, you are NOT writing a draft of the entire paper on Monday, 3/26. You are only writing the two positions, giving them “separate but equal” treatment. This is an important first step in writing a good Rogerian argument, and it is important to do this separately from writing the entire paper.  

P.S. Thanks to Amanda for asking this question!