Assignment:
Students can earn EC if they:
Start an argument by formatting it (P1--premise1, P2, P3, etc., then C--conclusion). You should provide at least two premises, one conclusion, and evidence (link or citation) for at least one of the premises.
Enhance an argument by adding evidence to one of the premises or additional premises (with evidence). You can add a Comment to explain your changes if you wish.
Critique an argument by adding a comment that identifies the flaw (weak evidence, non-authoritative source, etc.). You can also add another counter argument (P1, P2, P3, C; with evidence) and add a comment to the original one.
Identify the type of argument (Inductive, Deductive, etc.) and explain your reasoning.
Sample argument: Putnam's Decline Thesis
Decline Thesis: American Exceptionalism
P1: America's political participation AND civic engagement have declined. [Evidence: Stolle/Hooghe]
P2: European political participation has declined, but not civic engagement. [Evidence: Stolle/Hooghe]
C1: America's decline is unique (‘exceptional').
Decline Thesis: Europe's Next
P1: America's political participation AND civic engagement have declined. [Evidence: Stolle/Hooghe]
P2: European political participation has declined, but not civic engagement. [Evidence: Stolle/Hooghe]
C2: Europe may soon decline in civic engagement.
Decline Thesis: Civic <> Political
P1: America's political participation AND civic engagement have declined. [Evidence: Stolle/Hooghe]
P2: European political participation has declined, but not civic engagement. [Evidence: Stolle/Hooghe]
C3: Social capital and political participation are not related.