Debate I: Students will learn to research, write, and present original works as well as critically evaluate works from others. First semester topics include logic, persuasion, and speaking and debate formats. Competitive events covered in the class include impromptu speaking, modern oratory, and Lincoln Douglas debate. Second semester topics include philosophy, current events, and debate formats. This course is open to 7th and 8th graders.

Debate II: Students will continue to research, write, and present original works. Students will go more in-depth with the topics from Debate I. The competitive events covered in Debate II include Student Congress and Public Forum debate. This course is open to 8th grade only.

1. Do I have to speak in front of people?

You speak in front of small groups and are very practiced at what you do before you ever talk to the class. Everyone in the class is always very supportive and applauds the work that is done.

2. Is there competitions?

There are three competitions that you can compete in, one in the fall and two in the spring. Each one has a different task to compete in, one is debate, the other is a student congress, and the other is a team debate competition. We practice and train to compete and we always do very well against other schools. All the contestants have the same level of experience as you will have. Participation is not mandatory.

3. What do we learn?

We learn the basics of how to think through a problem and organize what we want to say about it. This helps create ways that allow you to address topics not just in debate but in all of your classes: English, science, history and any other class where you must write.

4. Is it hard?

No, we take a slow pace to make sure that everyone understands what we are doing and we always take topics that everyone can handle and discuss. The key is that you have to be willing to write and read.