F 9/11 take home assignment

The Michael Moore Fahrenheit 9/11 assignment:

If the goal of the film (or "public discourse" in general) is to engage in dialogue — that both respects the other side and (potentially) leads to changing people's minds — is the film successful?

I'd like you to think about this during the days up till Monday, when your paper's due. To answer that question, I suggest thinking about the following questions related to what we've covered in class:

1. Does Moore respect his opponent(s) and their viewpoint?
   
2. Does Moore provide context for his evidence (see pp. 148-152)?
   
3. How "expert" are his testimonies?
   
4. Does Moore provide commit any logical fallacies?
   
5. Is Moore's argument internally consistent (look at pp. 150-151, 167)?
   
6. What kind of "arguer" is Moore (see pp. 29-31)?

Your paper should be no more than two pages, double-spaced. We'll engage in an in-class discussion on Monday; come prepared to share.

I would also point out that Moore does raise some interesting questions. He also does make some good arguments, though he makes some bad ones, too. So ask yourself if the film taken as a whole is effective. But feel free to cite specific examples from the film.

You can also use these resources (but not required):

• Michael Moore's website
  
• 59 Deceits in Fahrenheit 9/11
  
• Debunking "59 Deceits in Fahrenheit 9/11"

Of course, you're free to use Google to your own advantage as well.