Overview: The Disputation is a persuasive/argumentative writing style dating back to the early universities. Disputations prove a thesis. The thesis answers a question. Disputations respectfully summarize your opponent’s viewpoint. Disputations state a thesis, provide good arguments, state reasonable objections, and refute them. This disputation will not be conducted as a formal papers, but rather an outline or “skeleton” of a paper, with clear, numbered, sections
It consists of five parts:
The overview of the topic – Present the question
Including a brief description of the background and significance of the topics (source 1)
Thesis (your stance)
The strongest argument (that align with) your position.
Analysis of evidence that supports this argument (source 2)
Analysis of evidence that supports this argument (source 3)
Counterargument (strong argument against your position)
Analysis of evidence that supports the counterargument (source 4)
Rebuttal of the counterargument
Analysis of evidence that rebuttals the counterargument (source 5, but can include information from source 1 and 2 as well)
Closing argument
Restatement of the thesis with your position on the topic with key takeaway statement to close the discussion.
Specific Requirements: Disputations to be completed in outline form using the template above. They must be double-spaced with a 12 point Times New Roman font. Please include in-text citations and a reference page using APA style. Please use 5-7 sources. All source types may be included but consider the quality of the evidence when supporting your arguments. Be specific.
