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Debate Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR:
Betsy Dutton
Home Phone: 278-3786
e-mail: duttonb@usd376.com

Class Schedule : 4th/5th Hour

 

SUMMARY:

When debating, four students, paired on opposite sides, participate in policy debates that revolve around a yearly resolve. Instruction in the class is a synthesis of three areas: debate terminology and procedure, debate strategy, and research on the topic area. The student at the novice level is required to go to 3 tournaments during the season. Advanced students go to four or more. Students will also help with and find judges for the JV debate tournament we host the first weekend in October.

 

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

•  The learner will seek accurate information and maintain integrity in communicating with others.

•  The learner will demonstrate an awareness of a variety of resources available to him/her for acquiring information.

•  The learner will develop an understanding of how to create one's own work with the help of information gained from experts.

•  The learner will help develop and use a systematic approach to solve problems in a variety of situations.

•  The learner will demonstrate the ability to use questioning skills for various levels of thinking.

•  The learner will critically evaluate and adjust, if necessary, the methods he/she uses to relay strong feelings.

•  The learner will demonstrate organizational skills appropriate for use with large qualities of information.

•  The learner will demonstrate the ability to read, listen, and draw conclusions void of personal bias with a readiness to ask questions.

 

COURSE ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY:

The instructor will follow the procedure outlined in the student handbook for tardies in excess of three per semester.

Students are to inform the instructor of any impending excused absence whether it be for school or personal activities (field trips, athletic events, forensics/debate meets, other club activities). Failure to do so will result in a 10% penalty on any work done that day.

Students who are absent due to illness have two days to make-up work for every day absent.

The school policy for cell phones will be followed.

 

EVALUATION AND GRADING:

Grading Scale:

100% -90%=A

90%-80%=B

80%-70%=C

70%-60%=D

59% or below= F

Late papers or projects will result in the loss of one letter grade per day late.

Students are expected to bring their needed materials. A return trip to a locker will result in a tardy violation. The student is expected to have his/her own writing utensils, books, and paper.

Food, drink (except water), and ipods are not allowed during the class time.