The Art of Debating

języki obce
ogólnouniwersyteckie

A practical communication course in the area of debating focused on presenting and practicing language in context. In this course, students will learn how to argue in English by participating in formal, academic debates.

A practical communication course in the area of debating focused on presenting and practicing language in context. In this course, students will learn how to prepare for and engage in an academic debate and a variety of communication situations which require critical examination of controversial issues.

Students will learn step by step how to prepare for participating in competitive debates. The steps include (1) analyzing the topic, (2) researching the topic, (3) preparing arguments for and against the topic, (4) writing speeches, (5) preparing questions and answers, (6) delivering speeches, and (7) taking notes in debate. Students will form debate teams and participate in debates. Classroom debates will be judged by students and the lecturer.

Workload 3 ECTS

participation in class 30 hours

home assignments 10 hours

Atchison J.(2017).The Art of Debate, Wake Forest University

Freeley A.J., D. L. Steinberg. (2009). Argumentation and Debate Critical Thinking for Reasoned Decision Making, Wadsworth Cengage Learning

Inoue N.(2009). Let’s Practice Debating in English, Kyushu University.http://www.flc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/~inouen/debating_in_english_text.pdf

National Association For Urban Debate Leagues. (2007). Learning to Debate. An Introduction for First-Year Debaters. National Association For Urban Debate Leagues. https://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/Domain/8040/Learningtodebate-1.pdf

New Zealand Schools’ Debating Council (2006). How to judge debates. New Zealand Schools’ Debating Council. https://www.debating.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/NZ-Schools-Debating-How-to-Judge-Guide.pdf

Nova A.(n.d).Debate Writing. Blog myperfectwords. https://www.myperfectwords.com/blog/debate-writing

Oxford Union. (2019). Charlie Coverman | It Is Immoral To Be A Billionaire [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LieWDaAA-6I

Stevenson E. (2017). How to debate: A student tutorial, Debating Rebuttals [Video] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CNI1kwJTcQ

Stevenson E. (2017). How to debate: A student tutorial, Team Arguments in Debating, Debating Roles, [Video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNmHJXXc8gM&t=184s

The Young Mediterranean Voices Programme. (n.d.).Young Voices. Debater Training Manual (reduced version). The Young Mediterranean Voices Programme. https://www.britishcouncil.ps/sites/default/files/debater_training_manual_reduced_version.pdf

Tiemann I. (2013).The Art of Debating. A Participatory Approach to Debating in Schools, Collège des Frères – Jerusalem, AGEH Association for Development Cooperation – Cologne. https://www.ziviler-friedensdienst.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2022/zfd-art-debating-2059_186.pdf

Within the knowledge area the student knows and understands:

- the concept of debate, its purposes, and benefits

- different types of debate and the key terms used during a debate

- the principal elements in a well-drafted debate motion

- the elements of an argument

- the criteria for a good argument

- the difference between rebuttal and refutation

- flaws/logical fallacies in argumentation

- techniques and strategies of a rebuttal

- debate evaluation criteria.

Within skills the student is able to:

--think critically and analyse a problem

-form a persuasive argument

-respond to counter-argument

-ask questions

-present thoughts logically and elegantly

-speak confidently in public

-listen carefully and interpret information quickly

- use effectively expressions and vocabulary connected with debating and delivering speeches

- evaluate a debate.

Within social competences the student is ready to:

-communicate effectively & respectfully

- work in a team

-show empathy

-listen attentively.

The final grade will be based on:

1. The result of short tests of vocabulary and expressions (20%)

2. Final Debate (40%)

3. Active class participation and home assignments (40%)

Students will form debate teams and participate in debates. Classroom debates will be judged by students and the lecturer with the help of the debate grading rubrics.