This is an in depth study and debate  club that meets once a week. Guided by a debate coach with over a decade of experience  in the National Forensics League, this class will dive deeply  into public speaking, rhetoric, logic, critical thinking,  and research (to hone in on arguments). 
Topics covered will be some current events--mostly driven by student request--and are listed below. 
Topics that will NOT be debated: abortion, legalization of marijuana or any other drugs, or anything having to do with gender/ sexuality. 
Breakout rooms are used occasionally for collaboration/ teaming activities.  

What is taught: Skills aligned with Common Core English Language Arts Standards for rhetoric, research, and public speaking. 

STRUCTURE/ METHODLOGY:  Warm-Up: Chat debate and/or QUICK JOT: current issues poll & reflection activity (5 – 7 minutes); classroom instruction: text/ video examination and discussion (10  minutes); debate activity: 30 minutes;  recap lesson and homework assignment for research

THERE WILL BE NO CLASS AUGUST 3RD 2023 (I WILL BE TRAVELLING) 

Week 1: Basics of Debate Types: Parliamentary, Public Forum, Policy, Lincoln-Douglas, Extemp and everything in between 
Week 2: Policy  Debate: TOPIC: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its public health assistance to SubSaharan Africa. 
Week 3: Continuation  Policy  Debate: TOPIC: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its public health assistance to SubSaharan Africa.  
Week 4: Continuation  Policy  Debate: TOPIC: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its public health assistance to SubSaharan Africa.  
Week 5: Public Forum: TOPIC: Resolved: The justices of the Supreme Court of the United States ought to be term-limited. 
Week 6: Continuation: Public Forum: TOPIC: Resolved: The justices of the Supreme Court of the United States ought to be term-limited. 
Week 7: Lincoln- Douglas: TOPIC: Resolved: Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified. 
Week 8: Continuation: Lincoln- Douglas: TOPIC: Resolved: Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified. AND In a just society, capital punishment is justifiable 
Week 9: Extemp & Parliamentary Debate: TOPIC LIST FOUND HERE : https://sms.newmilfordps.org/8thgradedebatetopics 
Week 10: FINAL RECAP and Extemp & Parliamentary Debate: TOPIC LIST FOUND HERE : https://sms.newmilfordps.org/8thgradedebatetopics