Lesson 6.1 - Debates on Civics topics
As we conclude our semester together we will use a topic that is both timely and helpful, since it is being debated in Congress as we speak. Additionally as you explore this topic you will need to explore the foundations of our democratic system, including Separation of Powers.
So lets begin:
Topic one comes from your Foundations unit.
Resolved: The justices of the Supreme Court of the United States ought to be term-limited.
So lets break this down a little. You will need to answer several questions to answer the question properly and provide an example:
What are term limits?
How does someone become a Supreme Court Justice - What is the process
How long can a Supreme Court Justice Serve? Why is the current system criticized?
What alternatives have been presented, enacted in some of the states of the United States?
It does not matter which side of the argument you take HOWVER you MUST follow our speech and debate format and you MUST address why the arguments of the opposing side are without merit.
Your essay/argument should be written in the same structure we have been working on: Hook, Personal Intro, Thesis, Supporting Paragraph 1, 2 and 3 with evidence, and conclusion. Remember that the third paragraph needs to address the arguments you will hear on the other side. The essay/argument should be written on a separate document, not on the template.
Finally, I put the numbered questions above to help you think about the topic. You do NOT need to answer them in your argument.
As always, please call me with any questions.
Here is a good breakdown of the argument - Click Here
Lesson 6.2 - Socratic Debate/Lincoln-Douglas style - Presenting your argument in the live lesson room
You all have shown a beautiful capacity to write out your arguments BUT Speech and Debate is ALSO about speaking and debating.
For this lesson you will participate in a Lincoln-Douglas debate on your 6.1 topic. This means you must do two things :
Present your point of view as written in the 6.1 lesson, you are presenting your entire argument from 6.01. Please note, to present does NOT mean read. When you are in a debate you need to engage your opponent and if you only look at the page and "read" you are not engaging your audience. This should be a practiced presentation, for example say your speech out loud a few times BEFORE your presentation.
Respond critically to a point being made by another student (or me) during the live lesson. This point must include some fact or facts based on the other students presentation or commentary.
Present what questions you anticipate you would ask your opponent
**** PLEASE NOTE - Since this is a debate, you MUST write out the questions you will ask your opponent AND you MUST write out the questions you think you may be asked by your opponent.
I know this may be scary to some of you but I KNOW you can do this.
Here is a good link to "rules" of a Socratic debate: Socratic Debate Rules.
Please remember since this is a debate your MUST have everything written out. So you will need your speech AND at least 3 questions you plan to ask your opponent AND at three questions you anticipate, believe, your opponent will ask you. Everything must be in writing.
Once your live lesson debate has been successfully completed I will give you a code to enter in the assignment, student comment box, to show you have completed 6.2.
NOTE - for those that were not available for the live lesson debate, please call me so we can schedule a time to complete this assignment with me.
6.3 - This weeks assignment is exempt.
6.4 - Oral Presentation
We have had a wonderful semester but one area we still need some work on in our oral presentation. We just need to practice this until we are comfortable. In this lesson you will need to record yourself completing one of the following speeches. You may use any of the great speeches in your courses or if there is a poem you want to use, text me for approval.
Here are two wonderful speeches that you can use:
Give me liberty of give me death
Remember the following:
Practice your speech
Know what the words mean
Know your inflection points
Look at the camera
Show emotion
Be passionate
Let your voice help tell your story
Your body language will say a lot
have confidence - you will be great
contact me if you have any questions.
Final Exam - You be the judge
Over the past semester I have asked you to take part in many debates. You have written and argued and debates. Now for your final project, you get to be the judge.
Below is a videos of the Lincoln Douglas Debate Championship competition. Please watch the video carefully. I want you to tell me who you think wins and WHY. Don't worry there is a worksheet attached to help you along the way AND for you to complete.
Resolved: Civil Disobedience in a Democracy is morally justified