Course Description:
Debate is an extension of Public Speaking. Each skill mastered in PS will help a student in Debate. This class is much more than simple arguments. Your average classroom bantering will not cut it in the course. Debate is a methodic approach to intellectual persuasion. There will be a winner and a loser. You will not “win” simply by having a strong opinion. Those meticulous students who reveal in research and proof will find they are more successful in this course. Debate occurs when two sides attempt to persuade ANOTHER PERSON that their position on an issue is more convincing.
Course Evaluation:
Students will be given assignments, quizzes, and tests to judge their knowledge and comprehension. Students will use writing and speaking to express their knowledge and comprehension in a critical and analytical manner. Students will be expected to present in front of a live audience. All debates will be assessed using a scoring guide that will be given out prior to the due date. Course grades will be given per the student handbook. (See GRADING for class breakdown).
Classroom Expectations:
Our class is to have a positive environment that is conducive to growth and exploration of ideas. In order to build and maintain such an environment, here are a few guidelines.
1. Show respect to all students and teachers at all times.
2. Get permission before leaving the room.
3. Bring all necessary materials to class (see Classroom Supplies).
4. Follow all school rules as outlined in the student handbook. (Examples: Tardy Policy, No Soft Drinks – Water Only, etc.)
Possible Consequences:
Conference with teacher and student, phone calls or emails home to parents, administrative referral, meeting with parents, and/or principal or possible learning/teaching experiences. Tardy and unprepared policy consequences will follow those outlined in the student handbook.
Requirements – This is not a suggestion – You will be required to have this!
Lined paper
Notebook or folder with pockets or three ring holes – This class does not have a textbook and will rely solely on handouts and notes. It is the student’s responsibility to keep these materials for test review.
Blue or black ink pen
Charged Chrome book
TESTS
Any test not taken within one week of the date given will be subject to a 100% loss of points or student will be given an alternative test for 40% loss of points.
DEBATES
Any debate turned in one day late will be subject to a 40% loss of points. Since all debates are researched ahead of time and not a “one day” assignment, it is imperative that all debates are given on scheduled days. Since most debates will be teamed with a partner and debated by another team, it is impossible to schedule times during Advisory or after school. If a student has an absence on the day of their given speech they MUST present the day they return to earn full credit. Any student having an UNEXCUSED absence on the day of their given speech will automatically be subject to 40% loss of points along with their partner unless their partner chooses to debate without them. If a debate partner debates alone due to their partner’s absence, the absent student will not have the ability to make up that debate. There will be ONE opportunity toward the end of the semester to make up ONE missed debate. If a student misses this opportunity too, they are out of luck.
Grading:
Student’s grade will consist of
60% - Debates
30 % - Classroom assignments and participation and tests
10% - Final – Final will consist of a written and oral portion.
Debate is an extension of Public Speaking. Each skill mastered in PS will help a student in Debate. This class is much more than simple arguments. Your average classroom bantering will not cut it in the course. Debate is a methodic approach to intellectual persuasion. There will be a winner and a loser. You will not “win” simply by having a strong opinion. Those meticulous students who reveal in research and proof will find they are more successful in this course. Debate occurs when two sides attempt to persuade ANOTHER PERSON that their position on an issue is more convincing.
Course Evaluation:
Students will be given assignments, quizzes, and tests to judge their knowledge and comprehension. Students will use writing and speaking to express their knowledge and comprehension in a critical and analytical manner. Students will be expected to present in front of a live audience. All debates will be assessed using a scoring guide that will be given out prior to the due date. Course grades will be given per the student handbook. (See GRADING for class breakdown).
Classroom Expectations:
Our class is to have a positive environment that is conducive to growth and exploration of ideas. In order to build and maintain such an environment, here are a few guidelines.
1. Show respect to all students and teachers at all times.
2. Get permission before leaving the room.
3. Bring all necessary materials to class (see Classroom Supplies).
4. Follow all school rules as outlined in the student handbook. (Examples: Tardy Policy, No Soft Drinks – Water Only, etc.)
Possible Consequences:
Conference with teacher and student, phone calls or emails home to parents, administrative referral, meeting with parents, and/or principal or possible learning/teaching experiences. Tardy and unprepared policy consequences will follow those outlined in the student handbook.
Requirements – This is not a suggestion – You will be required to have this!
Lined paper
Notebook or folder with pockets or three ring holes – This class does not have a textbook and will rely solely on handouts and notes. It is the student’s responsibility to keep these materials for test review.
Blue or black ink pen
Charged Chrome book
TESTS
Any test not taken within one week of the date given will be subject to a 100% loss of points or student will be given an alternative test for 40% loss of points.
DEBATES
Any debate turned in one day late will be subject to a 40% loss of points. Since all debates are researched ahead of time and not a “one day” assignment, it is imperative that all debates are given on scheduled days. Since most debates will be teamed with a partner and debated by another team, it is impossible to schedule times during Advisory or after school. If a student has an absence on the day of their given speech they MUST present the day they return to earn full credit. Any student having an UNEXCUSED absence on the day of their given speech will automatically be subject to 40% loss of points along with their partner unless their partner chooses to debate without them. If a debate partner debates alone due to their partner’s absence, the absent student will not have the ability to make up that debate. There will be ONE opportunity toward the end of the semester to make up ONE missed debate. If a student misses this opportunity too, they are out of luck.
Grading:
Student’s grade will consist of
60% - Debates
30 % - Classroom assignments and participation and tests
10% - Final – Final will consist of a written and oral portion.