Course Description
Debate Syllabus coming soon
A minimum of 4 students are needed for the course to run.
Debate is a course designed to promote research, analysis, and public speaking skills. Students enrolled in this course should have previous experience in a public speaking course. Students will learn and review basic and advanced oral communication skills and will be given the opportunity to apply those skills in a class debate setting. Students strive to gain and experience a complete understanding of many different debates’ styles and types. Debate styles include but are not limited to Policy Debate, cross-examination debates, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, SPAR Debates, role-play debates, and congressional/parliamentary debates.
Course Structure
Each debate style will be a separate unit. Each unit may have several topics in the unit. I use a modified flipped classroom, so students will use digital resources, videos, video lectures, and web links to learn about the topics. Live classes will mostly be for class discussions, group/team work and debating sessions, with some class lectures. Outside of class, work will consist of practicing topic skills, learning vocabulary, researching debate topics, analyzing documents, viewing sample debates, and outside readings. Students should expect to do 2-3 hours on assignments per week. Most assignments will be due weekly, with some having longer dues dates. In addition, there will be periodic assessments on the topic material, including vocabulary, and a cumulative test will be given at the end of the semester. Students will complete most assessments on Canvas.
Who should enroll?
Students in 9-12th grade who desire to learn about and practice debating skills. Enrolled students should have completed a public speaking course at Aim Academy or elsewhere, prior to enrollment.
Prerequisite
Enrolled students should have completed a public speaking course at Aim Academy (Speech & Debate) or elsewhere, prior to enrollment. A written application or placement assessment may be required.
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch video lectures and other videos as assigned
- Computer
- Scanning Capabilities (phone, iPad, tablet or scanner)
- Printer
- Microsoft or Google Products Access (MS Word, MS Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, PowerPoint or Google Slides)
Evaluation and Feedback
Student progress will be assessed through assignments that may include but are not limited to debate events, research assignments, periodic topic mastery checks and a cumulative unit test, outside homework, readings and video assignments, and class participation.
- Total points will compute all graded assignments.
- Students should expect to spend about 2-3 hours outside of the live class practicing and reviewing skills taught in the class. Researching topics, supporting material, and analysis of documents will also be a significant part of a student’s homework assignments.
- Students will receive a progress report mid-semester and at the end of a semester. Parent conferences are available upon request.
- All grades will be available in Canvas for students and parents.
- Unless otherwise specified, assignments will be graded within one week of submission.
Communication
Parents and Students may contact me through Canvas. I will respond within 48 hours to all communications. Please do not hesitate to contact me or ask questions.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.