76-393 Narrative & Argument

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course is for students interested in understanding and creating arguments that use but sometimes also abuse story elements. We first study the key components of storytelling, from plot to point of view, and map them onto different types of arguments that are commonly made in current public and especially political discourse. Compelling stories can sometimes be manipulative, so we will learn how to identify and respond to seductive but flawed arguments that rely on narrative elements. You will learn how to be not just a better storyteller who can fascinate an audience but also a storyteller who can convince their audience to think and act ethically, logically, and compassionately.

Prerequisites: 76-101 or 76-102 or (76-106 and 76-107) or (76-107 and 76-108) or (76-106 and 76-108)

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