CMST 3810 Advanced Forensics

4 semester hours

This is an advanced course in argumentation and debate in which students apply communication concepts, theories, and research methods to address “real world” issues and problems in concrete contexts. In this course, successful students will be expected to analyze and adapt their messages based on specific audiences and contexts, capitalizing on their understanding of the complex and dynamic relationships between communicators, their messages, and their audiences in contexts which are challenging and time-bound. Students will be engaged in study of contemporary social, political, economic, and cultural issues. As debaters, students will be required to develop their group and community-oriented skills by working in teams on and off campus, and traveling to intercollegiate debate competitions as required and possible. Debate, by its nature, sharpens students’ appreciation of the value of understanding multiple perspectives on issues, the importance of reflection on the underlying premises on which these perspectives are grounded, and the necessity to think critically about one’s own value system. Further, debate teaches students to value the learning process, acknowledging that no one can know all there is to know and that all are ignorant of information that will enhance our capacity to understand more fully why someone else has come to a different conclusion about the facts and values being debated.

Must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

Junior or senior standing required.

Majors only.

Prerequisites: CMST 1600 , CMST 1700 , and CMST 2800 .

Consent of instructor required.