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Learning Objectives
Compose a Rogerian Argument Essay maintaining a formal, aca
Learning Objectives
Compose a Rogerian Argument Essay maintaining a formal, academic tone.
Select an adequate topic for a Rogerian Argument Essay.
Use research that is appropriate and adequate to support one’s claims in an essay
Evaluate the logic of and rhetorical devices used in the arguments of others.
Evaluate the central idea, and support provided for that idea, in the writings of others.
Distinguish factual statements from judgmental statements and knowledge from opinion.
Evaluate claims and arguments for validity and reliability.
Appraise the work of peers based on a rubric or set of specified criteria.
Introduction: Rogerian Argument Essay
When most of us think of argument, we think about winners of arguments and losers of arguments. Arguments, even sometimes academic arguments, can be strong and forceful. An Aristotelian or classical argument is a strong, “this is my assertion and here’s why I am right” kind of argument. But that kind of argument isn’t going to work in all situations. When your audience is a really difficult one in the sense that you know your audience isn’t going to completely agree with your side of the issue, it can be a good idea to try to find a middle ground. The Rogerian argument finds that middle ground.
Based on the work of psychologist Carl RogersLinks to an external site. a Rogerian argument focuses on finding a middle ground between the author and the audience. This type of argument can be extremely persuasive and can help you, as a writer, understand your own biases and how you might work to find common ground with others.
Here is a summary of the basic strategy for a Rogerian argument:
In your essay, first, introduce the problem.
Acknowledge the other side before you present your side of the issue. This may take several paragraphs.
Next, you should carefully present your side of the issue in a way that does not dismiss the other side. This may also take several paragraphs.
You should then work to bring the two sides together. Help your audience see the benefits of the middle ground. Make your proposal for the middle ground here, and be sure to use an even, respectful tone. This should be a key focus of your essay and may take several paragraphs.
Finally, in your conclusion, remind your audience of the balanced perspective you have presented and make it clear how both sides benefit when they meet in the middle.
Assignment
In our professional readings thus far, we have explored a variety of ethical issues, some of which have (hopefully) been important to you. For this assignment, I would like you to choose an ethical issue that you have discovered in your readings in this class so far, either in the assigned essays or in those you have read from The Best American Essays collection. Therefore, your first source must be from one of the class readings.
Next, you will develop two different perspectives about this ethical issue, find common ground between these two views and take a position that carefully considers both sides of the issue. See the Rogerian Argument introduction above and the Textbook Readings on Rogerian Argument for more guidance on this essay’s rhetorical methods.
To develop your position, you will need two (2) additional credible sources that explore this ethical issue (from the library databases)
For inspiration and ideas, review the readings in the class so far, including those from The Best American Essays collections.
You will also be required to use the outline template below for this essay.
Choosing a Topic
I recommend choosing an ethical issue that you have some kind of connection with. Then, create an open-ended question that can be explored in a Rogerian argument that examines more than one answer. Some example questions from the readings (including the corresponding authors) include:
How has a historical and contemporary lack of LGBTQ+ acceptance impacted the mental health of this community? (Sedaris)
What should be the limits of invention in creative nonfiction? (Sedaris)
Why are King’s radical methods of achieving a diverse, egalitarian society still relevant today? (King)
Who should be responsible for helping people living in poverty? (Hardin)
To what extent is the acceptance of diverse languages crucial for an ethical society? (Anzaldua)
Throughout your essay, please:
Use several specific examples (brief summaries, paraphrases and quotes) from your chosen texts to develop the key ideas for someone who hasn’t read them.
Use objective, unbiased language to present both sides of the argument
Explain each example for your reader and use your critical voice to support your points. You may also include your own specific, detailed examples from experience.
Use signal phrases (Orwell) and vigorous verbs (claims, argues, disagrees, describes) to indicate authorial action.
Use transitional expressions and the repetition of key ideas to connect all the parts of your essay.
Readings
Argument & Critical Thinking Textbook Selections:
Rogerian Argument, Rogerian Infographic, Sample Rogerian Argument, Using Evidence, Argument & Audience, Rhetorical Analysis, Pre-Writing, MLA Documentation
Professional Essays Thus Far
Orwell, “Shooting an Elephant”
Emerson, “Circles”
Sedaris, “A Plague of Tics” & “I like Guys” (audio)
Cardel et. al. “The Ethics of Laugher: David Sedaris and Humor Memoir”
Eighner, “On Dumpster Diving”
Anzaldua, “How to Tame a Wild Tongue”
Lopez, “The Invitation”
King, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Sanford “Which water technology will save California from its long, dry death?”
DeSipio, “Demanding Equal Political Voice…The Quest For Latino Political Inclusion
Hardin, “Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor
Your choice: Selections from The Best American Essays 2016 or 2017 (from the Library Databases)
Use This Outline Template (Required):
Accessible HTML: Rogerian Argument Outline:
Rogerian Argument Outline
Keep in mind that each part may contain multiple paragraphs
Part I.: Introduction
Hook: A concrete piece of evidence that presents the problem (anecdote, fact, statistic, quotation from an expert, etc.)
State the problem you hope to resolve and briefly summarize the opposing (or alternative) views.
Briefly explain the positive change you would like to see about the issue.
Thesis statement that objectively presents two sides of the issue, and a position that takes a middle ground position (a compromise), or at least presents the opposition without biased language (2-3 sentences)
Part II. First View (differs from, or is mostly different, from your own)
Transition from Thesis:
Examine the key points that support one side of the issue. Acknowledge that this viewpoint has merit within certain contexts. Educate the reader and verify that you understand this view correctly.
Specific evidence that supports this perspective (including your own experiences or observations):
Explain and analyze how the evidence supports this perspective
Part III.: Second View (your view or most resembling your view)
Transition from First View:
Examine the points that support an alternative (opposing) position. This is your current position. Explain the key evidence which supports the reasons you have for choosing this stance, while maintaining neutrality.
Specific evidence that supports your position (including your own experiences or observations):
Explain and analyze how the evidence supports this perspective:
Part IV.: Common Ground
Transition from Your View:
Examine the points that support common
Specific evidence that supports common ground (including your own experiences or observations):
Explain and analyze how the evidence supports this perspective:
Part V: Conclusion:
Present a concise summary of the strongest points of both sides of the argument. Craft a resolution that takes the best from both sides (compromise), shows the weaknesses from the opposing (or alternative) view(s), takes a (perhaps new) position and shows the strengths of this perspective.
Example Rogerian Essays (Found attached
below)
Sample Rogerian Essay: The Ethics of Meat
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Sample Rogerian Essay: California Water Crisis
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Sample Rogerian Essay: Indoor vs. Outdoor People
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Requirements/Points:
MLA format, In-Text citations, 3+ sources (1 course essay), Works Cited, 1200-1500 words, 150 points
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