Before We Begin Activity:

Remember the Rogerian Argument is a

solution to a problem. Its coming to an
agreement and a compromise.

Rogerian in Practice
Scenario: The Zombie Apocalypse

The year is 2015

Researchers in Brandon, FL, have been developing the next new
miracle drug for some time now. Its called Z-trax, or
zatraxamorphine, and its meant to cure the common cold,
seasonal allergies and bad breath. Dr. Simon Yates of UCLA arrived
on the 1st of February to run FDA clinical trials of Z-trax and found
that after prolonged exposure some of the lab rats began
exhibitingodd side effects.
His session log states that The [Z-trax injected] rats have
developed cataracts and are adopting aggressive behavior as a
result of their blindness. Their sense of smell has also intensified.
They are capable of smelling cheese at twice the distance than the
control ratsNow, on the seventh day with the drug, the affected
rats have grown violent toward the control rats. They are escaping
from their enclosures to kill and eat their unaffected counterparts.

Patient Zero
The rest that we can piece together is that Dr. Yates and his
research team were attacked by the overrun experiment.
When investigators happened upon the lab two weeks ago, the
place was in disarray, but the notes were intact. The previous
quote was the last entry. Dr. Yates and his team are still
unaccounted for.
In the two weeks that followed, we have been uncovering more
cases of infected individuals. Those who are exposed to the blood
or saliva of an infected individual run the risk of contracting
Epidemic Z, or as its referred to in the media, The Zombie Virus.
We have joined here today to reason as human beings (and former
human beings). The only way to stop this from turning into the
Zombie Apocalypse is to act swiftly and intelligently. The fate of
the human race is up to you representatives.

What to do
Pick up a slip of paper.
Those who are infected sit on the left side of the room. Those who are uninfected sit on
the right side.

Please elect a leader or spokesperson within the group. This person will articulate your
argument in front of the class and call on people to speak from your group (2 minutes).

You have ten minutes to construct your side of this Rogerian debate. Please consider:
You disagree. Humans want to live. Zombies want to eat.
Neither side has authority. Humans, just because you were here first doesnt make
you supreme ruler.

For the purpose of this activity consider a zombie apocalypse where either side
doesnt necessarily win. (This means your proposed solution cant be Buy a
shotgun and blow the zombies to bits. or, Braaains.)

This is a social change. We are asking for a certain level of compromise on both
sides.

Remember, the point of the Rogerian is to find common ground. Try to anticipate the
points the other side will make and recognize the validity in these.

Both representatives will come up to the front of the room and share their groups
opening statement (remembering empathy), their point of view, and common ground
to be found.

Debate Time!
Opening Statement: Now that weve established that
there is a problem here, the risk of a zombie epidemic,
please summarize your view of this situation.

Humans, please recognize circumstances where the

opposing sides argument could be valid.

Humans, please articulate your point of view.

Zombies, please recognize circumstances where the
opposing sides argument could be valid.

What solution do you propose? Is there common ground

to be found? Remember that the rogerian argument is a
compromise.

Make a Contract
Representatives, with the help of your citizens,
write a contract together in the center of the
board. Representatives will call on citizens who
raise their hands.

Incorporate points from either sides proposed

conclusions. You can circle the terms you are
willing to agree with/cross out the terms you
dont agree with.