Ateneo - UPO

The course consists of two modules: Communication Techniques and Logic and Theory of Argumentation. In line with the theme of each module, the Communication Techniques module will focus on effective communication techniques and models for full employability, in accordance with the objectives of European recommendations on training. The Logic and Theory of Argumentation module is divided into two parts. The first part presents the tools for identifying and presenting good arguments. It will therefore teach how to identify the structure of arguments, distinguish between different types of arguments, deductive and non-deductive, evaluate their correctness according to specific regulatory standards, and develop effective argumentation strategies. Considerable space will be devoted to the study of fallacies and cognitive biases. The second part, which is more seminar-based, will explore artificial intelligence systems for argumentation. It will include both a short theoretical part and practical exercises with these systems.

Please refer to the individual module descriptions for details of the materials and reference texts indicated by the lecturers.

The course aims to provide students with theoretical and methodological tools in the field of verbal and non-verbal codes and languages. The course qualifies as a sort of “toolbox” for improving our arguments and mastering different styles of reasoning.

Interest in reasoning and communication; curiosity about generative artificial intelligence.

Lectures, also with the use of audiovisuals; ; case discussions, work in classroomstructured debates.

Students are invited to follow the updates of the course page published on DIR for supplementary readings as well as for the detailed program of the course. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

For the Communication Techniques module: Due to its unique structure, the course will mainly use a continuous assessment system, whereby students will be given a short test (questionnaire, summary or presentation) on the topics covered in the previous lesson at the end of each lesson. The final mark will be the average of the various marks received during the course. For the Logic and Theory of Argumentation module: the examination is oral and includes questions designed to test students' understanding of the topics covered and their ability to critically evaluate arguments and communicative exchanges. Students are also required to write a short report on their experiences with artificial systems for debate and argumentation, according to the procedures agreed with the lecturer. The procedures for writing the report will be specified in detail in the DIR. For the logic and theory of argumentation module: the exam is oral and includes questions aimed at assessing the student's understanding of the topics covered and their ability to critically evaluate arguments and communicative exchanges. Students are also required to write a short report on their experiences with artificial systems for debate and argumentation, according to the procedures agreed with the lecturer. The procedures for writing the report will be specified in detail in the DIR.

Soft skills for full employability Communication methods and techniques Verbal communication Written communication Negotiation techniques Employability potential Application of acquired skills/knowledge: simulations in an assessment centre. Part I What is an argument? The structure of an argument Deductive and non-deductive arguments Evaluating arguments Rational discussion Fallacies and biases Response strategies Integrating gender issues: pragmatics and gender Deductive arguments: basics of logic Counterfactual conditionals Causal and explanatory reasoning Probability errors Analogy Part II Old and new AI Computational argumentation theory: basics Chatbots A precursor: Miss Debater Current systems

At the end of the course, students will have gained awareness of soft skills and strengthened those most important for employability; they will have acquired skills in effective communication, both written and oral, applied in professional contexts; they will know how to negotiate, operate using communication in social networks and in the most appropriate professional context, as well as in the transition process from education to work. The course will enable students to Identify the structure of an inductive or deductive argument Determine the conditions under which a concrete deductive argument is valid, correct and/or persuasive and an inductive argument is plausible and persuasive Recognise logical fallacies in in arguments and avoid committing them Initiate rational counter-argumentation strategies Evaluate reasoning about causes Evaluate the strength of arguments based on analogy Be aware of the most common statistical and probabilistic errors Reason about how the situation might have evolved if different preconditions had been met (counterfactual reasoning) critically orient oneself towards AI systems for argumentation interrogate such systems begin to critically evaluate their output.