22-23 Debate Syllabus

This debate course will be taught in a fun, yet challenging classroom environment. One, because we have 37 students in here
and two, because debate is challenging but this teacher is determined to make it fun!! Students will receive encouragement
and gain confidence as they practice argument and debate skills in a room of respect and differing opinions. The argument
and debate fundamentals of types of arguments, constructing arguments, defending positions, choosing relevant and factual
evidence, documenting sources, studying logical reasoning, recognizing fallacies of reasoning, cross-examining opponents,
delivering rebuttal speeches, and giving oral and written critiques are integral components of this course. Another
important element of this class is to help students learn to analyze and test sources, evidence and logic for validity.
Assigned readings, writings and research will all be elements of this class and varied formats of debate, such as but not
limited to, informative speeches, persuasive speeches and Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Course Objectives :
1. Introduction to Argument - the difference between argument and other forms of communication
E.g. persuasion and rhetoric.
2. Type of Arguments - differentiate between the use of ethos, pathos, logos; be able to identify fact,
definition, value and policy; understand the difference between inductive and deductive
reasoning; arguing by using example, analogy and cause/effect; recognize informal fallacies.
3. Construct an argument - constructing a valid argument and the principles of organization.
4. Research Methods and Evidence - learn the research process, find valid and reliable sources for evidence and
learn standards for evaluating evidence.
5. Deliver an argument effectively, be able to refute arguments intelligently, learn to respond to cross-examination.

Essential Questions :
1. How does one construct an argument?
2. Why is citing reliable evidence important?
3. How are counter arguments/claims important?
4. How does presentation (speaking tone, enunciation/carriage/confidence) influence your intended audience?
5. How does the affirmative case compare and contrast to the disadvantage?
6. How do we determine the difference between a resolution and a bill?
7. How do we construct a speech of affirmation or negation concerning a piece of legislation?

Class supplies :
Laptops
Notebook/binder
Loose-leaf paper
Pens (blue or black only)
Your brain, your willingness to take risks, and your belief in being awesome!
Academic Honesty :
Mountain Vista English Department Plagiarism Policy: Any instances of academic dishonesty (ie, plagiarizing sources online or
another student’s work) will result in an automatic zero on the assignment with no opportunity for retesting and shall be subject to
disciplinary penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the
work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during an examination or in an item
of work that is turned in. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the
judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee, considering written materials,
observation, or information from students.
** There are very few things that make me grumpier than kids cheating - you have been warned.

Class Policies and Expectations :

1. Every student needs to have an up-to-date binder/notebook that is able to include all handouts, notes taken, journal
entries and homework in a neat, organized chronological order. I will grade the binders once every
nine week grading period (so twice this semester).
2. Every student is responsible for any notes, assignments and assessments that are missed due to absence. All
work will be on the daily calendar and in Canvas. If the absence is unexcused, the work will be entered as a
zero, regardless if mom and dad call it in three weeks later :-)
3. Students will have the Vista allowed days to make up work - please see attached Vista attendance policy here.
4. Work in this class will go from bell to bell.
5. Students needing to use the restroom will need to carry the Vista pass and I only have one of them so you best take
care of your business quickly and efficiently or your peers that might need to use the restroom will be
mighty grumpy at you.
6. Students will be expected to respect the classroom and all that it entails. We are not in my room, we will be in Mrs.
Vance’s room and I will ask everyone to respect that.
7. We won’t be using our cell phones unless instructed or needed. We are going to be wayyy to busy (more on this to
follow.
8. This class demands that we listen to each other with respect - even when we disagree. I will ask you to raise your
hands and join discussions respectfully, without plowing over and interrupting your classmates. Only one
person will be talking at a time, whether it is me or your classmates. Leave disagreements at the door.
9. You will be expected to participate in class discussions. We can’t have a class without your input.
10. I will ask that you please ask questions, come see me during Eagle time or office hours. Remember, I don’t know
that you aren’t understanding a concept if you don’t ask questions.

Homework :
I truly will do all I can to give you time to work in class as I realize this is an elective (but no LESS important than all your
other classes!!!). It will truly be up to you - when given time in class to work, it will be up to you whether you decide to work
or not. If I don’t assign it as homework but it ends up being homework….well, that is a choice that you will have made.
Colorado essential skills
1. Communicator : Interpersonal Communication: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and supportive
relationships, including: the capacity to communicate clearly by successfully conveying information and
feelings, listening actively, setting boundaries, negotiating conflict constructively, and seeking or offering
support and help when needed.
2. Problem solver : Collaboration and Teamwork: The ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
to identify the goal of a team, understand roles and responsibilities -, contribute by fulfilling those roles
and responsibilities, and include all members of the team.
3. Community Member: Demonstrates concern for the welfare of others, for cultural resources, and for the
natural world. Community members are respectful and inclusive, consider multiple perspectives, and honor
others regardless of differences.
4. Empowered individual : Perseverance and Resilience: The ability to endure and overcome challenges to
achieve desired outcomes and in doing so, building the confidence to believe that one's abilities can improve
over time with determination and continued effort.
Self-Management: The ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in
different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations, including: the capacity to delay
gratification, manage stress, stay productive and accountable, and feel motivation & agency to
accomplish personal/collective goals.
Colorado Standards :
1. Collaborate effectively as group members or leaders who listen actively and respectfully; pose thoughtful questions,
acknowledge the ideas of others; and contribute ideas to further the group’s attainment of an objective
2. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or
exaggerated or distorted evidence. (CCSS: SL.9-10.3)
3. Deliver effective oral presentations for varied audiences and varied purposes and Organize and develop credible
presentations tailored to purpose and audience
4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow
the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience,
and task. (CCSS: SL.9-10.4)
5. Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (for example: visually,
quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy
of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data. (CCSS: SL.11-12.2)
6. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links
among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used. (CCSS: SL.11-12.3)
Douglas County Standards :
1. Oral Expression and Listening : Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9– 10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas
and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. (CCSS: SL.9-10.1)
2. RW H1.1.1 Respond to others’ ideas, and evaluate perspective and rhetoric.
3. Essential Reasoning Skills : Flexibly use both inductive and deductive reasoning.
1. Analyze rhetorical appeals (logos, ethos, pathos, kairos) and use them in persuasive speaking.
2. Identify and correct formal fallacies in reasoning.
Phone : Here is a copy of the email I sent out on Weds evening. Wanted to attach it here also, in case you missed it or didn’t
get a chance to read it.

Please print out this page and return to school by Friday, August 12, 2022.

I have read thru and understand the Debate syllabus provided above :

_________________________ ______________
Student name Date

_________________________ ______________
Parent name Date

Please ask any questions here, or feel free to contact me at

nmbarnard@dcsdk12.org or 303-881-1635.