What's included
5 live meetings
6 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will work in groups. It is up to parents if they will allow them to email or zoom with people outside of class that are on the same side as they are for their debate. They will be given time in class to do this as well. Homework will average 1-2 hours each week. Possibly more depending on how much work your student wants to put into their final debate.Assessment
Students and parents are welcome to ask for an assessment or assistance at any time.Class Experience
Please note our final class may go over class time in order to give everyone a chance to present their debates with an opponent. This will be a practice round and not a tournament. Students will be eligible to move up to our next level to compete in a tournament after they complete this section. Historically, Lincoln Douglas Debates were a series of seven debates between former President Abraham Lincoln and former Senator Stephen A. Douglas in 1858. Today, Lincoln Douglas is a one on one competitive debate that focuses on competing values. The person that upholds their value and case framework the best, typically wins the round. Values can including such concepts as what is just, moral, upholds human dignity, protects life, human rights, democracy and much more. One of the biggest draws to the Lincoln Douglas style of debate is that in many ways students are taking a leadership position and having to examine both sides of a question. They have to not only become informed, but inundate themselves in credible research, in order to persuade a judge that they are correct, no matter which side they are arguing. They learn to push preconceived notions aside and construct a case to win, all the while being respectful to their opponent and their opponent’s position. In five days/weeks students will learn and utilize the Lincoln Douglas Debate style. Please note that this is an intense camp if the student chooses the five-day route. They will be putting a debate together by the end of the week. Lincoln Douglas is very academic and I coach competitively. The teacher uses a combination of lecture, worksheets, exercises/group exercises, videos and handouts for lessons. Each student will practice valuable public speaking skills and learn what it means to construct and flow a debate. There will be homework given after each class that should take about an hour, maybe a bit more. Each assignment will bring your student one step closer to finishing and understanding their final debate. Students will each be given one side of a resolution in order to have a practice debate during our last week. Each week we will work on a skill and group exercise. Week/Day One: What is Lincoln Douglas Debate? Introductions, Key Term, Value/Criterion Lecture Handouts: Value/Criterion Worksheet and LD Debate Outline Introduction to SPAR Week/Day Two: Topic Discussion First SPAR Debate Credible Research Lecture, Debate Structure Group Exercise: Evidence Handout: Research Ideas Week Three: Students are given their side of the debate. Flowing Lecture Create Flowing Handout Week Four Students will turn in first drafts of final outlines alone with value and criterions. Individual meetings with instructor/team meetings. Practice round (time permitting). Week Five Final Debate Rounds 45 minutes for each round
Learning Goals
Students will learn the art of Lincoln Douglas Debate and how to better persuade and communicate.
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Introduction to Lincoln Douglas Debate
Case Structure: Values and Criterions (Consequentialism, Utilitarianism and Rawl's Veil of ignorance and introduction to SPAR debate format. Handout
75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Credible Research and Cross Fire
Students will begin class debating using the SPAR format. From there we will discuss credible research and work on a group project together.
75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Flowing
Today I will introduce flowing and together we will flow a Lincoln Douglas Debate. Students will be working on final debate.
75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Individual Meetings and Practice Round
Students will meet individually with teacher to go over first draft of final debate. Practice Rounds if time permits.
75 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Lincoln Douglas Debate deals with general global topics. Some of the topics can deal with sensitive topics. Parents are welcome to contact me at any time if their student is struggling with a topic. Past topics have included death penalty, assisted suicide, food security, crimes against humanity, handgun regulation and much more. It is more likely than not students will encounter tougher topics.
Supply List
Access to internet, access to docs to type up cases, paper, pencil, pens. Stopwatch and 3x5 cards optional
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree from State University of Buffalo School of Law
I am a semi-retired Criminal Justice Professor and Non-traditional High School teacher. I am also a practicing attorney in New York State (Criminal, Family and International). I taught Speech and Debate for many years at the Middle and High School Level. I was an award winning coach at the State level. My students also competed at the National Level. Several received scholarships to college based on their speech and debate accomplishments. I have also taught Advanced Placement US Government, Advanced Placement Comparative Government and traditional High School Government for over ten years. I know it is important to introduce a fact based, non biased lesson to students that will foster discussions with their family. For twenty years I have had the opportunity to work with students from Pre-K through Graduate School in both a traditional learning atmosphere and those classes that deviate from neurotypical teaching. I held my teaching certification in World History/US History/Government and Economics for Middle and High School. My teaching philosophy is that all students are individuals and unique learners that must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I will provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and where mistakes are considered education victories.
While incorporating the eight learning styles into each class, I believe that there are five essential elements that are conducive to learning. (1) The teacher's role is to act as a guide. (2) Students must have access to hands-on activities. (3) Students should be able to have choices and let their curiosity direct their learning. (4) Students need the opportunity to practice skills in a safe environment. (5) Technology must be incorporated into the school day.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$89
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
75 min
Completed by 45 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
6-14 learners per class