This class is designed to prepare students for competitive speaking and debating. Its goal is to improve students’ skills in speaking, listening, composing, and reasoning through practical experiences and applications, especially during scheduled competitions. Students will develop skills in argumentation and debate; they will become interested in current issues, develop sound critical thinking, and sharpen communication skills. They will acquire life-long skills for intelligently approaching controversial issues and clashes of opinion.
The course includes a concentration in parliamentary procedure, the techniques of persuasion, means of detecting propaganda and fallacies, and the refinement of voice and diction. It will feature an emphasis on forensics which will necessitate extensive practice and rehearsal in Cross‑Examination, Public Forum, and Lincoln-Douglas debating as well as oral performances such as oral interpretations, extemporaneous speaking, congressional debating and speaking, and original oratories.
Course Overview:
Debate I:
· Persuasive Speaking
· Extemporaneous Speaking
· Congress
· CX Debate
· LD Debate
· Poetry/Prose
Novices (First Years) may exchange their final exam if they watch two (2) events at a tournament and compete in one (1) tournament during the fall semester and then again during the spring semester; stipulations will apply.
§ Students will comply with ASCISD School’s Student Code of Conduct.
§ This course will develop and enhance the students’ speaking ability through class speaking, debating, and performing. Students’ effectiveness will be demonstrated and challenged in competitive speaking tournaments held throughout the state on Fridays and/or Saturdays.
§ Advanced Debate will comply with the grading contract.
During each tournament, students will be judged by independent judges according to guidelines set by the National Speech and Debate Association, Texas Forensic Association, or University Interscholastic League. Students will become independent readers and researchers in their pursuit of excellence. Specific skills in the use of effective language and rhetoric will be developed. Using language as a successful communication tool will be the focus of the course. A tournament evaluation must be completed the following school day for credit.
** Other materials may be required throughout the semester
2. Class Notebook (a 1” binder divided will be sufficient)
4. Really GOOD Color Pens-
a. You will need at least two colors
*Neon Colors not acceptable*
If attending a tournament:
5. Money for meals, snacks, or personal items.
6. Clothing that conforms to the tournament dress standards.
This class is designed to prepare students for competitive speaking and debating. Its goal is to improve students’ skills in speaking, listening, composing, and reasoning through practical experiences and applications, especially during scheduled competitions.
When student’s sign-up to attend a tournament, they are required to compete. Each event requires an entry fee. Students are not required to pay for these fees out of pocket, but they are required to pay back the fee if they fail to compete.
Failure to compete stands as not attending the tournament, by failing to inform Mrs. Cathey of the inability to attend before the drop date. The drop date is the last day in which students can remove themselves from the tournament sign-up without the penalty of a drop fee.
The fees vary by tournament.
Since this is a student centered-based class, students will be graded heavily upon their successful completion of work preparation, practice, drills, and performance. Each student will be scheduled for performances in advance and will have ample time to prepare. Tournament judges’ ballots will be used as a tool for grading also since the class is geared toward competitive speaking. A consideration of the student’s tournament round progression will also be given consideration for a grade. Class participation will also be used as a grading assessment.
Students will have a minimum of three major grades per nine weeks. Quizzes will count as daily grades. Grades are broken down into two categories. Suspicion and Evidence of Academic Dishonesty will not be tolerated (Statement on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty of syllabus).
The late work policy is outlined in the ASCISD student handbook. Students must always adhere to this policy and make sure assignments are turned in on time.
No late work will be accepted on long term projects. Students are expected to meet project checkpoints and complete the tasks before the prearranged due date. These checkpoints are meant to check student progress and ensure the project is completed in the expected manner. Class time will be allotted to work on long term projects as well as outside class time. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO START A PROJECT! (See the Student Handbook)
Absences & Make-up Work:
Students will be responsible for daily and major assignments missed while absent. If assistance is needed in completing these assignments, tutorials are available. Students are expected to check in upon their return to class and collect all missed work with clear due dates.
You will have grade due dates to meet. If you do not have the required number of assignments by the due date, you will receive a "0" until the assignment is turned in.
Incomplete assignments will not be graded until corrected. Students will still be held to original grade due dates to allow for sufficient time to grade and efficient feedback.
If the student is absent the day of an assigned performance or group project, he or she must fulfill the assignment the day of his or her return to class. Every student will have at least a week’s notice of his or her performance date. If there is a conflict that student should speak to me (Mrs. Cathey) about moving the date up, back, before, or after school.