Presents techniques for analyzing arguments used in political rhetoric, advertisements, editorials, scientific claims, and social commentary. Develops the ability to create and refine written arguments. Topics include inductive and deductive arguments, the validity and consistency of arguments, the relationship between evidence and conclusions, persuasive writing strategies, the concerns of style and audience, and impediments to good reasoning. May be offered in a distance-learning format. Satisfies the IGETC Critical Thinking requirement. CAB GE A2, CSU GE A3, IGETC 1B.