Description
The 3 Principles of Written Negotiation
It assumes that perspectives that are different from your own are reasonable and thus merit careful attention.
It assumes that perspectives that are different from your own use reasonable evidence to support their claims and recommendations.
Effective negotiation assumes that the best outcomes should benefit as many people as possible. To help you develop the skills of effective written negotiation, you will complete a writing project that lays competing perspectives side-by-side. For example, let’s say that you regularly participate in debates about which superhero is the best. Maybe you think Batman is the best and can provide ample evidence to support your perspective. But others may have different opinions. Maybe one person thinks Wonder Woman is the best, whereas another thinks The Hulk wins the day. Regardless, the success of your negotiation will rise or fall on how well you consider the way each claim uses evidence to persuade its audience of its perspective. Because this process can sometimes be challenging, we are going to teach you about stasis theory, an ancient writing strategy that helps you determine where disagreements between different perspectives lie. Once you isolate the source of the disagreement, you can negotiate with more precision, coherence, and insight and thereby propose solutions that benefit as many people as possible.
Writing Project: Writing to Negotiate
This project invites you to create a rhetorical analysis presentation in PowerPoint that negotiates competing perspectives on a topic that matters to you.
WHAT AM I DOING?
To complete this project, you will need to:
Identify a topic that matters to you.
Collect examples of arguments that address the topic you have chosen, making sure that the examples do not agree with one another. See the Tips for Conducting and Citing Your Research for locating your sources.
Give each of the competing perspectives names, identify their main claims, forms of evidence, and strategies for persuasion, and organize them into slides.
Using stasis theory, create slides that identify points of agreement and disagreement between the examples you have named and presented.
Define your own perspective in response to those you have collected. Attempt to resolve some of the disagreements you have identified.
Identify sources of evidence to support why your perspective should be trusted.
Submit.
HOW DO I DO IT?
Use the Topic Selection Checklist to an external site. to help you identify a topic that matters to you.
Collect examples of arguments (3-5) that address the topic in different and sometimes competing ways.
Complete the Stasis Theory Matrix Links to an external site.. Use it to order and distill the points you want to clarify in your presentation.
Create a PowerPoint presentation of 6-8 slides that:
Defines the topic/problem to your audience
Explains why this topic/problem is relevant to you and your audience.
Identifies competing perspectives associated with the topic or problem and gives them each a name (e.g. “Climate Change Economists, Environmental Scientists, Factory Farming Advocates).
Presents one or several textual examples that help audiences conceptualize each competing perspective.
Uses the textual examples to present the main claims, forms of evidence and strategies for persuasion that are characteristic of each competing perspective.
Outlines where the agreements and disagreements between each competing perspective lie.
Proposes a new way of seeing the problem that brings the perspectives together more effectively, the goal being to imagine solutions that benefit as many people as possible.
Presents evidence that supports why your proposal is trustworthy.
Includes a Works Cited slide.
Submit your final draft on the submission page at the end of this module.
HOW WILL I BE EVALUATED?
Your presentation will be evaluated on the following criteria (see assignment rubric for complete performance criteria):
Completion of the assignment per the parameters described above.
Clear definition of the topic/problem you have identified.
Clear explanation of why the topic/problem you have identified is relevant to you and to your audience.
Clear and coherent presentation of competing perspectives associated with the topic/problem you have identified.
Coherent analysis of textual examples that support the description of each competing perspective.
Clear and coherent proposal for a new way to address the topic or solve the problem.
Accurate and consistent references to evidence that support your conclusions.
Clear and coherent sentences that are mechanically, syntactically, and grammatically correct.
Clear and coherent visual presentation of the topic/problem.
Writing Project #3: Writing to Negotiate – Rough Draft
include 5+ slides (not including Title or Works Cited slides)
present the topic: define the topic/problem and explain why it is relevant to you and your audience
present perspectives: identify at least three competing perspectives associated with the topic or problem and gives them each a name (e.g. “Climate Change Economists, Environmental Scientists, Factory Farming Advocates); incorporate at least three supporting textual examples
identify key points of agreement (at least one) and disagreement (at least one) between the competing perspectives
include a proposal (may be rough) that brings the perspectives together more effectively, the goal being to imagine solutions that benefit as many people as possible
Note: Your final draft will, of course, have more extensive expectations.
A quick note on the format of your rough draft: You should submit a working draft of your presentation, which should be a Power Point file or set of Google Slides In other words, you are submitting a document that contains slides that employ visual design, incorporate images and/or videos into your ideas, as well as your written text. See below for examples of the Writing to Negotiate Rough Draft:
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Stasis Theory Matrix
The basic idea of stasis theory is that in order to negotiate different and competing perspectives on a
topic, you must first identify the points of disagreement between each person/group in the debate.
According to these classical rhetoricians, disagreements will focus on one of four main components of an
argument: conjecture, definition, quality, or policy. To help you understand the differences between these
components, let’s use climate change as a topic that different people/groups disagree about.
1. Disagreements about conjecture (e.g. “Does the problem exist?”)
For example, in debates over climate change, some scientists argue that climate change is a
measurable fact whereas some politicians argue that climate change doesn’t exist.
2. Disagreements about definition (e.g. “How should the problem be defined?”)
For example, in debates over climate change, some writers define it as an economic crisis
whereas others define it as environmental degradation.
3. Disagreements about quality (e.g. “What specific features make this problem unique?)
For example, in debates over climate change, some writers focus on the role that fossil fuels play
in making the problem worse, whereas others focus on factory farming and dangerous eating
habits.
4. Disagreements about policy (e.g. “What should we do about the problem?”)
For example, in debates over climate change, some writers emphasize the importance of building
alternative energy sources, whereas others focus on changing our eating habits.
There are three important things to note whenever you use stasis theory to negotiate a debate on a given
topic:
●
●
●
If you want to negotiate the debate, you must move sequentially through the list because how you
answer questions early on will affect how you answer questions later on. For example, if you
don’t think that climate change exists (disagreements about conjecture), that will affect how you
define it, assign particular qualities to it, and make recommendations about what to do about it.
For example, you might define it as a hoax (disagreements about definition), focus on specific
qualities of the environment that indicate there has been little to no change (disagreements about
quality), and encourage others to question the motives of scientists who insist that climate change
is a fact.
If you want to negotiate the debate, you must recognize that people/groups often disagree
because they emphasize one aspect of the list at the expense of others. For example, many
arguments happen between groups that address climate change because one group wants to solve
the problem with a new policy without taking time to demonstrate that the problem exists, define
the problem in a specific way, and outline the qualities that make the definition unique. They
simply assume that others agree that the problem exists, is defined the way they would define it,
and has all the qualities that make the definition unique.
If you want to negotiate the debate, you must accept that people/groups can disagree without
being threatened by one another. For example, a group can focus on the role that factory farming
plays in climate change without feeling threatened by a group that emphasizes the importance of
creating new green products that offset carbon emissions. In fact, one way to get different groups
to work together is to imagine a definition of climate change (since in this example they both
agree it exists) that includes qualities that both groups value so that a comprehensive set of
policies solve the problem as a collective.
The first challenge of stasis theory is keeping the different perspectives straight in your mind. So, we’ve
created the stasis theory matrix below to help you maintain order. With your topic now chosen, use this
matrix to differentiate each perspective so that you may imagine a solution that brings as many people
together as possible. Seriously, just plug the information in!
Perspective #1: Name?
Source?
This perspective sees/believes X
about my topic…
Conjecture
Does the perspective believe the
problem exists?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source)
Definition
Does the perspective define the
problem in a specific way?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Quality
Does the perspective identify
specific qualities associated with
the problem?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Policy
Does the perspective explain
what people should do about the
problem?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Perspective #2: Name?
Source?
Conjecture
Does the perspective believe the
problem exists?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source)
Definition
Does the perspective define the
problem in a specific way?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Quality
Does the perspective identify
specific qualities associated with
the problem?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Policy
Does the perspective explain
what people should do about the
problem?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Perspective #3: Name?
Source?
Conjecture
Does the perspective believe the
problem exists?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source)
Definition
Does the perspective define the
problem in a specific way?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Quality
Does the perspective identify
specific qualities associated with
the problem?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Policy
Does the perspective explain
what people should do about the
problem?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from your
textual source here)
Now that you have the perspectives in order, complete the grid below:
Combining the
Perspectives
Use the names and/or color codings to keep
them visibly different.
Conjecture
Do all the perspectives agree that the problem
exists?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from the grid
above, placing each perspective
side by side)
Definition
Do all the perspectives agree that the problem
should be defined the same way?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from the grid
above, placing each perspective
side by side)
Quality
Do all the perspectives describe the problem
using the same qualities?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from the grid
above, placing each perspective
side by side)
Policy
Do all the perspectives agree what people should
do about the problem?
What textual evidence supports
your claim? (cite from the grid
above, placing each perspective
side by side)
Questions for Written Reflection:
● Where do the arguments agree the most?
● Where do the arguments disagree the most?
● Is there a way to help the arguments work together more effectively? If so, what part of stasis
theory should they emphasize? (For example, should they create a new definition? Incorporate
more qualities? Find a policy that includes more perspectives?)
●
●
●
●
What evidence supports your proposal to help the arguments work together more effectively?
Why should your solution be trusted? Who would or should find it persuasive? In what situation
will it be most persuasive?
Describe how you want others to interpret your argument.
Explain why you believe it is important that others listen to your argument.
Reflect on the potential problems that still exist even though the solution you propose is a smart
and creative one?
2023 California Stormwater
Debate
What Should Be Done With Stormwater?
Snowpack
and Revisor
Levels Are
At An AllTime High
Snow Water Equivalents (inches)
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/snowapp
/sweq.action
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/resapp/Rescond
Main
What Should Be Done With the Stormwater?
• 2020 – 2022 were the driest years on
record in 126 years, affecting humans and
endangering several species of fish
• Writers give differing opinions on
solutions for California’s uncertain
weather patterns for the future
• The usually stormy season of early 2023
helped ease drought conditions
Stormwater Storage
• However, California can enter another dry
season at any time
Refill Aquifers
• Given this concern, what will we do with
captured stormwater?
Protect Endangered Species
Conservation
Economist
Stormwater Storage
Protect Endangered Fish and Jobs
Refill Aquifers
This perspective focuses on protecting
endangered species and fisheries, and seeks
to make an environmental and economic
appeal to the reader.
Does advocate for some stormwater storage, but says the changing
environment has led to drought which affects agriculture and
threatens, “the Delta smelt, longfin smelt, Central Valley steelhead,
spring-run Chinook salmon, winter-run Chinook salmon, and the
green sturgeon” (Beam).
• “Environmental groups argue that the administration’s plan
for fish is not enough. Last year, the survival of winter-run
Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River was the lowest on
record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration” (Beam).
At this time, seeking to store more water would not be the best
option as the state’s largest reservoirs are nearly at capacity and the
snowpack has reached its normal range.
• “’The only real emergency that we’re facing is the collapse of
our salmon runs in California and the family income jobs all
up and down the coast and inland California tied to our
salmon fishery,’ he said” (Beam).
Stormwater
Conservationist
Indicates the Colorado River is diminishing and states using it
have failed to make an agreement on usage going forward
• “After months of fruitless negotiations between the states
that depend on the shrinking water source, the Biden
administration proposed to reduce the water delivered
from the river to California, Arizona and Nevada by as
much as one-quarter” (Vartabedian)
Stormwater Storage
Protect Endangered Fish and Jobs
Refill Aquifers
This approach seeks to persuade the reader
by spurring a sense of urgency; soon, there
will not be any more water, so stormwater
collection and storage is key.
Rather than build dams or let water runoff into the ocean and
river, small-scale water collection projects can store water
•”Nowhere are the upcoming small-scale projects more
important than in the Los Angeles River watershed,
where they can prevent runoff into the river and
theoretically recharge groundwater basins, Zampiello
notes” (Vartabedian).
Release and
Restoration Advocate
Stormwater Storage
Protect Endangered Fish and Jobs
Refill Aquifers
This advocate seeks to sway the reader by
assuring that there is plenty of water
available for use, and that the environment
would benefit more. This writer also appeals
to the reader by highlighting the plight of
endangered species and fisheries.
Says that there is enough available captured stormwater to
facilitate needs, but the environment is suffering. Releasing
excess water would benefit the environment and protect
endangered species.
• “But the environment also suffers when delta water is diverted for
agricultural and urban use, said Felicia Marcus, a fellow at Stanford
University’s Water in the West Program.”
• “Right now we’ve got a bonanza of snow, and it’s looking pretty
good at this particular time of year, so the idea of shorting these poor
fish and the ecosystem in a time of somewhat plenty isn’t very
compelling,” Marcus said.
• And while reservoir storage is important, it would behoove officials
to devote more focus to groundwater recharge, or the replenishment
of the state’s overdrafted aquifers, he said. Even operating at full
capacity, the pumps would not have been able to capture anywhere
near the amount of water that ultimately made its way to the San
Francisco Bay.
What Can Be Done To Address Drought
Environmental Impact
• The Colorado River “is drying up
due to a combination of chronic
overuse of water resources and a
historic drought” (Partlow).
• Drought presents a significant
threat to endangered species and
fisheries (NOAA).
Response to Environmental Conditions
• The Public Utilities Commission says
watering laws with potable water
will conserve water as well as
maintaining skink faucets and fixing
leaks.
• Mandate use of ENERGY STAR
appliances
• The California Department of Water
Resources says stormwater can refill
aquifers, benefit agriculture, and
protect endangered species.
Stormwater Storage
Protect Endangered Fish and Jobs
Refill Aquifers
Works Cited
Drought and Conservation Information
California Public Utilities Commission
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/water/drought-and-conservation-information
California debates what to do with water from recent storms
Beam
https://apnews.com/article/politics-gavin-newsom-california-business-climate-and-environment-2863facfcd6d308f8eb178ec55aaa8dc
In a Drought, California Is Watching Water Wash Out to Sea
Vartabedian
Environmental rules stoke anger as California lets precious stormwater wash out to sea
Smith
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-20/anger-flares-as-california-stormwater-washes-out-to-sea
The Colorado River drought crisis: How did this happen? Can it be fixed?
Partlow
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/02/05/colorado-river-drought-explained/
Drought in the West Coast Region
NOAA Fisheries
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/climate/drought-west-coast-region#:~:text=posed%20by%20drought.,Drought%20Impacts,Central%20California%20Coast%20coho%20salmon.
Groundwater Recharge – Capturing Water from Storms to Replenish Stressed Groundwater Basins
California Department of Water Resources
https://water.ca.gov/News/Blog/2023/Jan-23/Groundwater-Recharge—Capturing-Water-from-Storms-to-Replenish-Stressed-Groundwater-Basins
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