This course introduces students to the competitive high school debate community, equipping them with the foundational skills and practical experience needed to compete confidently at their home schools. The curriculum focuses on developing essential competencies in critical thinking, structured argumentation, and effective public speaking.
Students will engage in active learning through current events research, persuasive speech writing, and repeated practice in both formal and informal debate formats. The learning styles include direct instruction, video analysis, collaborative teamwork, and extensive performance feedback. Students should bring an active curiosity about the world and a dedicated commitment to refining their writing, speaking, and analytical listening skills through rigorous practice.