English 101: Shaping Experience Through Language: The Reality of Language

Collaborative Argument

Complete Draft Due Wednesday, November 13th

Final Draft Due Monday, November 18th

"I will simply take the position that the spoken word, like the written word, amounts to a nonsensical arrangement

of sounds or letters without a consensus that assigns "meaning."  And building from the meanings of what we

hear, we order reality.  Words themselves are innocuous; it is the consensus that gives them true power."

                                        Gloria Naylor, "Mommy, What Does 'Nigger' Mean?"

Purpose: In A Community of Writers, Peter Elbow and Pat Belanoff suggest that argument serves an educational purpose: "Writing, in particular, permits us to figure out reasons carefully and fully, to stand back from them and consider them one by one.  In short, we need to be able to analyze and build arguments in order to make our minds work well."  But in order to make our minds work well, we must begin thinking about argument in a new way.  The either-or (ie. pro-con) argument is limiting.  For this essay, you will view your own argument as a type of dialogue, a dialogue in which your argument is just one of several voices, one which invites the reader to participate in an issue.

This essay will also be a collaborative endeavor.  Not all writing exists in a void of isolation in which you compose alone before a computer.  Based on the assumption that thinking is multiplied through the interaction and play of ideas, collaborative writing occurs often in the workforce and within the University.  Not only will you be adding your own voices to the myriad of voices

that surround a single issue, you will also have to negotiate the differing views within your group to create a single piece of writing.

Directions: Beverly Gross' "Bitch," Gloria Naylor's "Mommy, What Does 'Nigger' Mean?", and Sarah Boxer's "I Shop, Ergo I Am" use different strategies to explore how a single word shapes or affects reality.  In addition, several of our readings this semester have suggested the power of language to shape and affect reality most notably Kyoko Mori's "Language."  You will engage in a similar study; therefore, pay particular attention to how these writers go about researching and developing their arguments.

Use a number of invention strategies to generate words that might be suitable for this essay.  With your group, select a single word to focus upon and negotiate ways in which you will go about composing this essay.  (While I encourage you to meet outside of class, spaces will be created on the Discussion Boards for your group to use.)  Any topic you choose must be debatable.  In other words, it must be arguable.  For this particular assignment, resist the need to use outside sources unless you are just familiarizing yourself with issues surrounding your topic.  This essay asks you to focus on ways of developing your argument before dealing with voices outside your own.

Consider the audience for your essay a hostile audience.  Audience analysis is especially important in argument.  You will have to use various strategies to convince a hostile audience to consider your position.  Your argument should also include a number of appeals (logic, emotion, and ethics) to add a persuasive element to your argument.

Grading Criteria: Each person in your group will receive the same grade for the essay; however, you will have the opportunity to evaluate the contributions each member makes.  Your essay should have a strong thesis statement, provide a logical organization, and maintain a clear focus, including specific, relevant detail.  Furthermore, your essay should include a strong introduction and conclusion and demonstrate effective use of description and narration.  Use several editing strategies to eliminate surface-level errors.

Length: 5-6 pages (1,250-1,500 words)

Format: Typed; Double-Spaced; Times New Roman; 12-Point Font

For the Writing Workshop (11/13), please bring two copies of your essay to class.     

"We need to see (argument) not just as a matter of winning or losing, but as a way to connect with others which may lead to change, not only in the world but also in ourselves.  But most of all, we need to see it as a means of coming to decisions, a way of getting things done in the world, that includes moments of agonistic dispute, moments of inquiry, moments of confrontation, and moments of cooperation."

                      Dennis A. Lynch, Diana George, and Marilyn M. Cooper, "Moments of Argument"

 

Download an RTF version of Collaborative Argument