Analysis and Practice of Argumentative Writing [ LROM1321 ]

• Basic elements of textual grammar (cohesion/connection, segmentation, coherence, progression) ;
• Argumentative discourse : arguments and their development (constructing the object); involvement of the writer; relation to the situation;
• Reading argumentative texts : argumentative reference points, both rhetorical and textual;
• Writing argumentative texts: methodology for the development of a formal text; the pragmatic functions of the different moments of a text; writing qualities.

By the end of the course, the student will be able :
- to frame a simple topic, whether literary or cultural (in the large sense of the word), to situate it in its context, to specify the related issues; to gather the pieces of information required to shape a relevant and consistent position towards the topic;
- to organize these elements towards their communication; to articulate the reflection in discourse, to present it in a text that is coherent, cohesive and progressive and conformed to academic standards;
- to use stylistic and rhetorical means that are appropriate for the situation.
Students will practice these competences towards the writing of an argumentative text presenting a well-supported answer to a specific question (given or chosen) or an examination of a previous argumentation which will be critically assessed.

During the lecture and the sessions of practical class, the student is invited to elaborate a portfolio in which he archives various productions which are asked him(her) as one goes along. It is a question in particular of supporting the lecturales and scriptural skills of the students with the aim of the written examination which will be organized during the session of June. This examination, which takes place in public, will be split into two parts: 1) production of a personal essay from an article or from a brief file of texts which will be communicated to the students; 2) analysis of a text argued according to indicators seen in the course and the answers to punctual questions relative to the more theoretical dimensions of the course.

This education addresses students' hundred. Fifteen hours of masterful course are dispensed by the holder of the course and twice fifteen hours of practical classes are taken care by an assistant. In that case, the work is made in more restricted groups (about fifty students).

The course leans on this reference book: Ruth AMOSSY, L'argumentation dans le discours, Paris, Armand Colin, coll. Cursus, 2010. It will besides be completed by the other theoretical or practical referents and illustrated by argued speeches literary persons, scientists, didactics, political, academic '