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* Mastering the Art of Debate

New class
Ages 12-17
Live Group Course
This course equips you with the tools to become a persuasive powerhouse. Through the dynamic platform of debate, you'll sharpen your critical thinking, build compelling arguments, and deliver your message with confidence.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(636 reviews)
Star Educator
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week, 15 weeks
2-6 learners per class
45 min

What's included

15 live meetings
11 hrs 15 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 per week
Assessment
included
Grading
included

Class Experience

This course equips you with the tools to become a persuasive powerhouse. Through the dynamic platform of debate, you'll sharpen your critical thinking, build compelling arguments, and deliver your message with confidence and precision. Enroll today and step into the spotlight!

This course is designed to hone students' skills in argumentation, critical thinking, and public speaking through the practice of debate. Students will learn various debate formats, strategies for constructing persuasive arguments, effective rebuttal techniques, and how to engage in civil discourse. Through practice debates, drills, and constructive feedback, students will develop the confidence and proficiency to excel in competitive debates and real-world discussions.

Course Objectives:
Understand the principles of effective argumentation and persuasion.
Learn different debate formats and rules.
Develop research skills to gather evidence and support arguments.
Practice constructing and delivering persuasive speeches.
Refine critical thinking skills to analyze arguments and counterarguments.
Enhance listening and rebuttal skills.
Cultivate teamwork and collaboration in debate settings.

Learning Goals

Course Objectives:
Understand the principles of effective argumentation and persuasion.
Learn different debate formats and rules.
Develop research skills to gather evidence and support arguments.
Practice constructing and delivering persuasive speeches.
Refine critical thinking skills to analyze arguments and counterarguments.
Enhance listening and rebuttal skills.
Cultivate teamwork and collaboration in debate settings.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
15 Lessons
over 15 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Debate
 Overview of course objectives and expectations
Introduction to debate formats (e.g., parliamentary, policy, Lincoln-Douglas)
Importance of constructive dialogue and respectful disagreement 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Argumentation Fundamentals
 Understanding claims, evidence, and reasoning
Types of arguments (e.g., deductive, inductive)
Logical fallacies to avoid 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Research Skills for Debaters
 Effective research strategies
Evaluating sources for credibility and relevance
Using evidence to support arguments 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Constructing a Persuasive Case
 Structure of a debate case (e.g., introduction, contentions, rebuttals)
Crafting clear and compelling arguments
Balancing ethos, logos, and pathos in persuasion 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The Debating Book: everything you ever need to know about debating. Julian Bell, 2020.

Offered by

4.9
636reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Missouri Teaching Certificate
Chidimma
Master's Degree in Computer Science from Maryville University
Chidimma
Master's Degree in Education from University of Toronto
Jelena
Master's Degree in History from University of Cambridge
Brandy Dahlen
Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University
Karimah Whitaker
Master's Degree in History from Northwestern University
Linford
Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Yale University
Linford
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Rutgers University
Chidimma
Bachelor's Degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College
Brandy Dahlen
Bachelor's Degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham
Karimah Whitaker
Bachelor's Degree from Middle East Technical University
Maya
Bachelor's Degree in History from Millersville University
Linford
Hi! I’m Karimah. I am an AP authorized teacher.  I’m also a mom of four, global citizen, ardent traveler, and communications specialist of 25 years. I’m originally from Alabama but call Raleigh, NC home for now. I’ve spent 15 years traveling and working abroad, primarily in journalism, communications, and marketing. Among the many roles I’ve assumed, I’ve worked as a teacher, AP teacher, university instructor, coach, trainer, consultant, curriculum developer, and evaluator.

It goes without saying that my professional passion is helping others effectively communicate – whether through a speech, essay, presentation, or ad. My methodology springs from a singular truth; great communication is about understanding the motivations of the receiver and what you want the end result to be. Once you’re able to understand that, everything else will fall into place!

I’ve had immense fun seeing my students bloom into effective communicators. When it “clicks”, there’s an excitement in their eyes, which I look forward to seeing in each of my students’ eyes here!

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