Mapping and Evaluating Real Arguments: A Practical Workshop Approach

Argument analysis becomes powerful when applied to real material rather than textbook examples. This course walks you through structured practice with arguments from articles, debates, and conversations, building habits you can apply for the rest of your life. You will work through written exercises that mirror how a careful reader would map and evaluate arguments across different contexts. The emphasis is on building reliable habits rather than mastering one technique at the expense of others. What you'll learn: - Map arguments from articles, opinion pieces, and academic writing into clear structural diagrams - Evaluate the evidence offered in real arguments including data, expert testimony, and reasoning - Identify unstated assumptions that shape arguments without appearing in their explicit text - Compare competing arguments on the same topic with structured side-by-side evaluation - Apply argument analysis to everyday conversations and disagreements with respect and clarity - Document your analysis in a way that supports later review and ongoing learning The course progresses from mapping through evidence evaluation, unstated assumptions, comparative analysis, conversational application, and documentation. A capstone written exercise asks you to choose three arguments from real sources and analyze each thoroughly. This course is designed for beginners and intermediate students who want to strengthen their everyday thinking, including students at any level, professionals making consequential decisions, and engaged citizens. No prior formal logic is required. The course treats argument analysis as a craft you can develop through structured practice.