A course at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis offers students the opportunity to learn argumentative writing, while becoming aware of scholarly discourse in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Students realize that what once passed for a simple argument in everyday life becomes more sophisticated as they learn about research methodology, tests of evidence, modes and forms of logical reasoning, and problem-solving strategies. Persuasive writing assignments are given within a social setting, specifically, classroom discussion, written peer response and evaluation, and teacher-student interchange. Because students must present their arguments to their peers, they are more committed to their position, and take care in presenting and maintaining their argument. The sheer multiplicity of legitimate opinion and point of view which arises within a single classroom fosters an awareness necessary for moral and ethical growth. In this class, many students progress from a fairly narrow view of life to a more tolerant one simply because of their exposure to different value systems. For example, one student began the course totally dependent on the value systems of her family and peer community. After refutation by another student and instruction in logical argumentation, this student wrote a paper supporting her original position, but in a reasoned, logical manner using Toulmin's methods of argumentation. This course in argument, centered on issues, offers a means for students to work toward a sense of commitment. (SRT)