Writing: Refutation and Confirmation

Service Description

Description: This writing course follows on from our Australian Progymnasmata course (Chreia and Proverbs). It focuses on the art of refutation and confirmation, teaching students to critically evaluate arguments by addressing their strengths and weaknesses. When refuting an argument, students will learn to identify and articulate points that make it obscure, incredible, impossible, illogical, unfitting, and unprofitable. Conversely, in confirming an argument, they will be guided on how to present it as manifest, probable, possible, logical, fitting, and profitable. Through structured exercises and examples, students will develop the skills to dismantle flawed reasoning and bolster sound arguments, enhancing writing skills. Prerequisites: Students should have spelling capabilities at a grade level and be able to write sentences with basic sentence syntax. This course is recommended for students in Grade 5 or 6, or older students needing to consolidate their persuasive writing skills. In class, students need to be able to follow teacher-led workbook completion and record answers during class. They need to be able to answer questions when called on in a group setting. Required Materials: Students must purchase the Australian Progymnasmata student text from Via Classica. They should also have an exercise book for additional notes. Students will also need a USB headset microphone (built-in microphones also work). Students will use Microsoft Teams for online sessions. Course sessions: The course commences the week of 21 July 2025, with two one-hour sessions each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 PM (AEDT/AEST). There will be a term break from 29 September to 10 October 2025. Classes resume the week of 13 October 2025. The final week of classes will be the week of 8 December 2025. No classes will be held on 25 August or 4 November. Instructor: Mrs. Elizabeth Matheson