Congressional Debate: Write and Debate Your Own Legislation
During a 6 week period learners will write their own legislation, conduct a legislative debate and vote on its passage, all while learning this important style of debate.
Kirsten Bowman JD
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(767)
Popular
What's included
6 live meetings
8 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. During the first two weeks of class, learners will need to work on drafting their legislation during the week. During the final four weeks of class, learners will need to research various issues according to the legislation which will be debated each week, form positions and prepare 3 minute speeches on the bills to be debated.Assessment
Assessments and grades can be provided, please reach out prior to the start of class to discuss with the teacher.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Congressional Debate is a type of formal debate where debaters engage in a mock legislative assembly to draft bills (proposed laws) and resolutions (position statements), which they and their peers later debate and vote to pass into law and then take action on by voting for or against the legislation. One of the fantastic aspects of this style of debate (which is taught in high school where students can compete in interscholastic competition style formats) is that it provides more autonomy than many debate formats. Debaters create their own legislation, allowing them to research and prepare to debate on issues that they care about. As well, debaters are not assigned which position they must take on any issue, allowing them a greater autonomy to debate passionately for their position. In this course, learners will spend the first week being introduced to the style of debate. The class will focus on the tools needed to research and write debatable legislation. The second class will be focused on writing and refining that legislation. Everyone should have at least one piece of legislation to present to the congress by the end of week 2. During the following 4 weeks the debaters will debate each piece of legislation according to the formal style of debate known as Congressional debate which mirrors the rules and procedures laid out in a Congressional session. By the end of the course, learners will have a better understanding of the legislative process, a deeper ability to analyze important and relevant issues in our world today and will have gained the clinical skills necessary to debate in civil society.
Learning Goals
Learning goals include:
Understanding the legislative process
Critical analyses of the complexity of drafting legislation
Gaining stronger writing skills
Strengthening persuasive skills and presentation skills
Understanding the format of competitive Congressional Debate
Gaining skills in logical reasoning
Learning to back up assertions with facts and evidence
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Appropriate legislative topics will be required. There are many topics such as gun regulation or the death penalty that may be sensitive. As this course is for older learners, topics of legislative relevance will not be off limits, but all legislation will be expected to be treated in a respectful manner.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2018
4.9
767reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a practicing human rights lawyer who teaches at the law school level and has been teaching and coaching debate on Outschool for the past 5 years. Prior to my work with the United Nations, I worked on Policy Analysis in Washington DC for several years, working together with Congressional Offices on legislative agendas. Reviews
Live Group Class
$130
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
85 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
6-12 learners per class
