Hey, Y'all! 
Thank you for your interest in our debate class! Over the next 8 weeks, students will learn the fundamentals of argumentation, debate, persuasion, and public speaking. Below, you will find a detailed syllabus outlining the course structure and activities.

This debate class is designed to help students develop communication skills that extend beyond competitive debates. The aim is to equip students with critical thinking and persuasive speaking abilities that are valuable in any interpersonal interaction or professional setting. Effective debate is not just about winning arguments but ensuring that your audience, regardless of their prior knowledge, can easily understand and engage with your points.

I am thrilled to guide students in enhancing their critical thinking, public speaking, and confidence through debate. With 13 years of experience training students from middle school to college, I am eager to witness the growth and development of each student throughout this course. As a college professor specializing in argumentation and debate, I have had the privilege of sharing my expertise worldwide. Here is a breakdown of what we will cover in the course:

1. What will be taught? 
- Debate and argumentation elements and structure. You will learn the three steps of an argument and the structure of our debate. 
- The students will be thought: 
     Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.
     Claim, Data, Warrant. 
- We will have MANY debate and speaking activities throughout the 9 weeks

2. What topic will we cover? 
- Each student will get an age-appropriate topic.
-Some topics might include but are not limited to: 
    -Sports 
    -College 
    -School uniforms 
    - Music 
    -Pop culture 

3. How is this class structured? 
This will be a breakdown of how the class will be organized: 
1. I will teach you how to make an argument. 
2. I will teach you structure speeches and arguments. 
3. See the syllabus at the bottom for more of a breakdown.  

4. How will I teach this class? 
- This class will use PowerPoint, videos, lectures, activities, drills, etc. This will be a highly engaging and interactive class throughout the entire 8 weeks. 

5. What is my teaching style? 
- I have been teaching in college for 10 years and I have been in debate for over 13 so I have learned through experience how to keep debates engaging and empowering for students. I love being positive and upbeat while also offering helpful and meaningful constructive criticism. 

6. How much will learners interact with each other? 
-This will be a highly interactive class and will have students engaging with each other and myself often. Students will have to ask each other questions along with also giving speeches and having to respond to what their fellow students are saying in their speeches. 


Course Syllabus: 
(note this could change depending on what our classes needs and all changes will be addressed in class) 

Week 1: 
Class introduction  
Learn the structure of the debate format we will be doing in class.  
Basics of argumentation and persuasion.
Will cover: claim/data/impact and logos/ethos/pathos
Activity

Week 2: 
What to do when you know nothing about a debate topic 
Learn how to write everything out. 
Have a mini-debate 

Week 3: 
What to do in prep time
Learn Rebuttal 
Prep time drill 

Week 4
Learn how to offer Points of Information (POIs) also known as questions during debate. 
POI Drill 

Week 5 
In class discussion about current topic and breaking down how to avoid bad arguments 
Going over logical fallacies 
Partners and positions are assigned for debate tournament 
Debate topic are picked to prepare for the next week. 

Week 6
Mini debate tournament 

Week 7
Mini debate tournament 

Week 8
Mini debate tournament 
Debrief about the debates from the tournament