Debate I requires students to have access to the school computer. If an
internet form has not been signed by the parents, students will need to get
this done within the first week of school.
Debate I is a performance-based class. Grade will be determined through
the students' participation and presentation of the debate topic. Students
may be assigned to a side of the topic for which they do not personally
believe. The objective is NOT to change their personal beliefs, but to teach
them to argue a case based on facts, regardless of personal beliefs.
Students will be required to thoroughly research their assigned topics. They
will need index cards and a file box for this class. All research is to be
transferred to note cards and kept in the file box for the debate. These will
be checked and count toward their evaluation.
Students will be required to present their case in front of the class. Often
they will be workiing with a team, so they must be responsible members of
this team. A team grade as well as an individual performance grade will be
given for each debate.
Formats for the debates will vary so that students will have exposure to a
variety of debating styles.
Debate I requires a lot of work and a lot of trust. Once students have
learned the basics of debate, the time spent preparing for other debates will
be independent work. If a student is not responsible or trustworthy, then
arrangements may need to be made regarding their assignment to a team.
