The purpose of this course is to develop students’ beginning awareness, understanding, and application of language arts as they apply to oral communication concepts and strategies for public debate in a variety of given settings.
The course will involve delivering and analyzing a variety of argument and debate formats such as Lincoln-Douglas, team/policy, Congressional, and extemporaneous debate.
Research, including citing specific text evidence, assessing the validity of evidence, and recognizing irrelevant evidence and faulty reasoning are elements of the course.
Students will be required to demonstrate appropriate formal and informal public speaking techniques
eye contact and body movements
voice register and choices of language
use of standard English
using research and writing skills to support selected topics and points of view
across a range of disciplines
using a range of sources, including digital
assessing the veracity of claims and the reliability of sources
determining different types of evidence (e.g., documentary evidence in the social sciences, experimental evidence in the realm of natural sciences)
determining reliable print and digital sources
demonstrating use of techniques for timing and judging debates and other forensic activities
collaboration amongst peers, especially during the drafting and practicing stages