Welcome to Debate!
Debate is part of the National Forensics League. When we hear "forensics" today, we often think of crime scene investigators and science genius. However, the meaning of forensics we are dealing with is the art of speaking. In this class, it will be the art of arguing skillfully, within class, and using the format of Policy Debate. Although you are not a forensic scientist on CSI, you will have many things in common with this profession:
- - You will do a great deal of investigation and research in order to effectively argue your interpretation and position on an issue.
- - Understanding of your research and key points will be pivotal in competing with your classmates and other schools.
- - Your opposition will have the opportunity to cross examine you, so you must be able to think on your feet and answer direct questions. (You will also cross examine them!)
- - You have to follow the rules and format laid out by the Judge. This also includes conducting yourself professionally.
Debate provides an excellent opportunity for students to use their skills of researching, comprehending, thinking, making inferences, writing, speaking and listening. The class itself will be divided into four parts:
First, we will learn the format and terminology of Policy Debate. Second, every student will participate in two Policy Debates focused on this year's resolution. Bascially, this means teams of two students research a controversial issue to collect facts and expert opinions for/against a proposed change (stated as a resolution). They prepare cases by using these data and making inferences. Teams then face opponents in timed speeches and attempt to elicit judges’ votes by stating a strong case and refuting opponent’s claims with contradictory facts and explanations. Third, we will occasionally break away from the current resolution and debate current controversial issues in a less formal format throughout the semester to build our argumentation and cross examination skill. And finally, we will learn about Legislative Debate. You will learn how to write a bill, deliver an authorship speech, critique others' bills, and offer affirmative and negative speeches for your classmates' bills. |
The Resolution for 2014 is:
OCEANS
OCEANS