PHIL 153 - Arguments about Social Issues

• Accurately analyze arguments contained in prose writing on social issues, identifying their premises and conclusions.
• Distinguish between the truth of an argument’s premises and the validity or strength of its reasoning, and evaluate that strength or validity.
• Craft a strong argument (one which is adequately supported by evidence) for a position on a complex question concerning a social issue.
• Identify and synthesize high-quality sources and use them effectively in support of an argument, and cite and document those sources using MLA guidelines.
• Craft prose that conforms to academic expectations regarding clarity, coherence, unity, style, and meaning.
• Apply research and theory to the problems posed by social issues such as (but not limited to) freedom of speech, environmental preservation, identity politics, and firearm laws.