Fun with Persuasive Writing: Villains on Trial, Grades 7-8
Practice Persuasive Writing Techniques by Making the Case for Fiction's Villains
8 class sessions, 1.5 hours per class (12 hours of instruction)
January 14 - March 4
Wednesday, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PST
Course Description:
Do you ever find yourself rooting for the bad characters in movies? In this lively course, students will step into the role of a defense lawyer for the most notorious cartoon villains—from the Big Bad Wolf to Cruella de Vil. Persuasive writing is a powerful tool for students to master because it sharpens their critical thinking, strengthens their arguments, and builds confidence in both writing and speaking. Students will have the opportunity to craft thesis statements, gather and analyze evidence, and experiment with rhetorical strategies to persuade an audience. Dynamic instruction will prepare students to take part in a mock trial and to deliver a final presentation defending the villain of their choice. By the end, students will walk away with persuasive skills they can use in essays, debates, and real-world situations.
Course Objectives
Students will:
Instructor Biography:
Michael Porzio has taught English Language Arts and Social Science for more than ten years, working with students in grades 6–11 as well as teaching Reading and Writing abroad in South Korea. He earned his B.A. in Literature from UCLA and his M.A. in Teaching with a single-subject credential in English and History from UC Irvine. Currently, he teaches U.S. History and Journalism in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, where he also serves as Department Chair. A UCI Writing Project Fellow and recipient of the California State PTA Outstanding Teacher Award, Michael believes that writing is “refined thinking” and a kind of superpower—one he is passionate about sharing with students. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their three young boys.
Do you ever find yourself rooting for the bad characters in movies? In this lively course, students will step into the role of a defense lawyer for the most notorious cartoon villains—from the Big Bad Wolf to Cruella de Vil. Persuasive writing is a powerful tool for students to master because it sharpens their critical thinking, strengthens their arguments, and builds confidence in both writing and speaking. Students will have the opportunity to craft thesis statements, gather and analyze evidence, and experiment with rhetorical strategies to persuade an audience. Dynamic instruction will prepare students to take part in a mock trial and to deliver a final presentation defending the villain of their choice. By the end, students will walk away with persuasive skills they can use in essays, debates, and real-world situations.
Course Objectives
Students will:
- Learn to use rhetorical strategies—logic, emotions, and credibility—to persuade effectively.
- Identify and avoid common logical fallacies in argument.
- Develop persuasive techniques by writing from the perspective of a villain.
- Practice planning and revising as the two most essential phases of strong writing.
- Participate in a mock trial (Big Bad Wolf v. Three Little Pigs) to apply argument skills.
- Create a final written piece and presentation defending their chosen villain.
Instructor Biography:
Michael Porzio has taught English Language Arts and Social Science for more than ten years, working with students in grades 6–11 as well as teaching Reading and Writing abroad in South Korea. He earned his B.A. in Literature from UCLA and his M.A. in Teaching with a single-subject credential in English and History from UC Irvine. Currently, he teaches U.S. History and Journalism in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, where he also serves as Department Chair. A UCI Writing Project Fellow and recipient of the California State PTA Outstanding Teacher Award, Michael believes that writing is “refined thinking” and a kind of superpower—one he is passionate about sharing with students. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their three young boys.