Having Your Say Reading and Writing Public Arguments

Having Your Say takes an inquiry-based, problem-solving approach to reading and writing arguments on real-world public policy issues. This rhetoric of argument with readings engages students in-depth on two important public policy issues: crime and the environment. Students investigate the nature and causes of problems, analyze the effects of proposed solutions, and anticipate the reactions of stakeholders in the issue. By considering the social and historical context of an issue and the interests of stakeholders, student-authors develop more interesting, original, and substantive arguments and gain confidence in their ability to get involved and participate in public discourse.