Course Description:

Effective and efficient criticism is a core skill of analytic – and especially – persuasive argument. Yet, rarely is it taught in-school and even less frequently is it explained: convincing argument is always an expectation but seldom an agenda item. As such, we will work together to isolate and problematize logical argumentation, rhetorical skill, and interpretive ability. Doing so will make use of a variety of food, music, international politics, moral questions, films, architecture, and poetry. What will challenge is the desire to win and the necessity to never become complacent. Students with low-, mid-, or high-level of critical ability are welcome!