Argument Fallacies

An argument should be valid in order for it so carry much weight. If an fallacy is found in an argument, it makes it hard for it to be very convicing. Below is a link to a list of Argument Fallacies.

http://www.don-lindsay-archive.org/skeptic/arguments.html

Evaluation, Ethical, or Proposal Argument

What is an evaluation argument?

"An evaluation argument tries to convince the reader that the criteria that a writer uses to evaluate a situation are the appropriate criteria, and therefore, that the writer's evaluation of a situation is an accurate one."

What is an ethical argument?

http://www.freewebs.com/thinkingstraight/Ethics.htm

What is a proposal argument?

"Proposal arguments are extended arguments, made because the author wants something to be changed or wants to stop something from being changed. Usually, the hope is that others have something to gain if the problem is solved or at least made a little bit better."

Resemblance Arguments

"Resemblance argument essays are essays based on comparisons. The purpose of a resemblance argument essay is to explain why X is or is not like Y. The X is usually solid while the Y is more typically an opinion. The best topics have multiple causes and effects or pros and cons and are not solely based on opinion."

Read more: How to Write a Resemblance Argument Essay | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5749288_write-resemblance-argument-essay.html#ixzz1tVhzBc5q

What is a Categorical Argument?

"A categorical argument is a type of argument that occurs when a given X belongs in category Y. There are two kinds of these categorical arguments: simple categorical argument where the writer and audience agrees on the meaning of the term Y and definitional argument where the meaning of the term Y is controversial."

What is a Definitional Argument?

"Definitional arguments are essays whereby you begin with your introduction of your theme, then for each body paragraph establish your points of view or reasonings, followed by detailing the evidence, proof, or facts that support your view or reasonings. This can be the thoughts of icons, matter in books, etc. Then you write a conclusion. Beware you own personal beliefs if you can't find support for them, or it becomes too flimsy and impact on the reader is lost."

What is a Causal Argument?

"These arguments examine the underlying cause for any particular situation or argument. A causal argument analyzes in depth what causes a trend, event, or phenomenon."

Extra Credit: Literary Events

"Fighting Funny: The African American Satiric Tradition" was such an interesting event to aattend because when I think of satire the first thing I think of is making fun of social norms and politics but intellectual showing how absurd they really are and I believe that during this literary event I realized that this being done in the African American community is both harmful and harmless. Many people (black or otherwise) use satire to poke fun at African American people and although it is seen as entertainment, I do not find it to be funny. In my opinion, an example of satire would include Tyler Perry's "Madea." Tyler Perry is very talented but in most of his movies especially thosse that include his most famous character, Madea, it seems he succumbs to stereotypes that are viewed as hilarious and known for have very high entertainment value despite the offensive aspects.

Extra Credit: Exceptional Women in August Wilson's Plays

"In celebration of "Women's History Month," there will be a stimulating discussion on "The Exceptional Women in August Wilson's Plays." The program will be led by The August Wilson Society Multi-Disciplinary Class. Distinguished panelists include Dr. Sandra Shannon (Director), Professor Kim James Bey, Dr. Almez Zewde, Dr. Gregory Carr, Dr Mbye Cham, Dr. Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, Dr. Dana Williams, Dr. Alonzo Crawford, Dr. Jules Harrell, Dr. Terry Adams-Fuller, Dr. Tony Randolph, Professor Joe Selmon, and Celia C. Daniel (Embedded Librarian). The event is presented by the Africana Film/Discussion Series (Reference Department/Founders Library)"

I really enjoyed seeing scences and listening to several monologues by August Wilson because they were absolutely inspiring and beautiful pieces about the struggle and plight of African American people. I would love to attend another event similar to this one because it allowed for my eyes to be opened and focused on such important historical struggles.

Extra Credit: Precious Knowledge

A documentary that interweaves the stories of students in the Mexican American Studies Program at Tucson High School. While 48 percent of Mexican American students currently drop out of high school, Tucson High's Mexican American Studies Program has become a national model of educational success, with on average, 93 percent of enrolled students graduating from high school. The filmmakers spent an entire year in the classroom filming this innovative social justice curriculum, documenting the transformative impact on students who become engaged, informed, and active in their communities. Precious Knowledge is timely as the nation turns its focus toward a wave of anti-immigration legislation. Along with their harsh anti-immigrant stance, Arizona lawmakers abolished Ethnic Studies classes. The film provides an insider's perspective to a historic battle over civil rights as the student leaders in Tucson High fight to save their classes.

Trailer: http://www.preciousknowledgefilm.com/

Very powerful and touching story. It really had me intrigued and enticed. Definitely had me really thinking.

Extra Credit Blog: Afro-Latin@ Film: Invisibility and Presence

Our annual Re-Defining African American Convening examines the limitations of the nomenclature assigned to people of African descent in America. Currently, the term "African American" is used specifically as a designation for Black people born in the United States whose forefathers and mothers were brought here via the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Given the recent increase of Latino, Caribbean and continental African immigrant populations to the U.S., we examine how do these new Americans of African descent identify and negotiate space within the traditional "American Dream." Over the past several years, Re-Defining has attempted to dissect language, identity and shared realities of Blacks and Latinos in the U.S. This year, Diasporan artists, scholars and activists will analyze this new national reality and its implications for civil and human rights, and cultural solidarity in the 21st century. Panelists will discuss ways in which their own specific cultural identities are translated within an American context and how power can be utilized cooperatively in an African Diasporan framework.
http://vimeo.com/36745694

Extra Credit: Afro-Hispanic Institute and Afro-Hispanic Review

In recognition of Black History Month, the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Howard University  hosted a Roundtable entitled "Afro-Hispanic Institute and Afro-Hispanic Review: 30 Years of Pioneering Black Studies" to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Afro-Hispanic Review. This event took place in the Gallery Lounge of the Blackburn Center at Howard University.The celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Afro-Hispanic Review, the leading journal on Hispanophone Africana Studies, aimed to point out the critical and pioneering role of Howard University and the Department of World Languages and Cultures in promoting a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage and cultures of people of African descent. Dr. Ian Smart, a co-founder of Afro-Hispanic Review, delivered the keynote address. The Roundtable participants included Drs. Shirley Jackson, University of District of Columbia, Annette Dunzo and James J. Davis, Howard University.