Pick your favorite politician or other public figure. One that you genuinely like, or would vote for, or whose concerts you go to, etc. Now, find an occasion where your favorite politician or public figure used rhetoric to the detriment of logic to make their point. This may take a little bit of research, and perhaps a bit of cognitive dissonance as well.

Then, chances are, your peers will have selected a public figure that you dislike. Find a post from your peers that features just such a public figure, and then do a little additional research and find an argument made by that public figure that uses logic over rhetoric to make a sound argument that you agree with. Again, this may take some digging.

Lastly, respond to any comments made to your original post.

Oh, and be polite, but assertive.

Grading Rubric

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Content

Shows a full understanding of the topic.

Shows a good understanding of the topic.

Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic.

Does not seem to understand the topic very well.

Comprehension

Student is able to accurately answer the question(s) posed about the topic.

Student is able to partially answer the question(s) posed about the topic.

Student is able to say very little about the question(s) posed about the topic.

Student is unable to accurately answer questions posed about the topic.

Vocabulary

Uses vocabulary appropriate for the discipline. Extends vocabulary by defining philosophical terms that were not introduced by the Instructor.

Uses vocabulary appropriate for the discipline. Includes some philosophical terms that were not introduced by the instructor, but does not define them.