Communication for International Careers 3

Conf. Dr. Delia Pop-Flanja

delia.flanja@ubbcluj.ro

Contents
1. Course presentation
2. Introduction to debates: basic debate terminology, strategies, structure, rules
3. Analysing debate arguments
4. Political and policy debates - understanding the views of the political spectrum
5. Civil society debates - an ever more prominent endeavour
6. Environmental protection vs. economic growth - terminology and debates
7. Human rights debates - divisive subjects in our society
8. Security vs. liberty debates - a highly topical issue
9. Intercultural debates - mastering the art of adaptation
10. Debates on modern mass media - between information and manipulation
11. Majority vs. minority debates -power, ethnicity, gender
12. Debates on education - a perpetual reform?
13. Debates on the business environment - how much corporate thinking do we embrace?
14. Seminar evaluation and feedback

Assessment criteria
Class Participation: 3 points (Assignments: 1-1,5 points)
Portfolio: 3 points
 A persuasive essay, for students to take a position on a topic at their own choice and write a
two-to-four-page essay in support of their opinion on that issue;
 A debate preparation file;
 A debate evaluation file.
Oral exam: 3 points
+ 1 point

Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend at least 75% of the classes.

Class Participation
Students are expected to be actively engaged in a discussion or other activities.

Late Assignments
Students are expected to meet submission requirements for assignments in a timely manner. 
Evaluation includes an assessment of delivering your assignments in time.
 Proposed debate topics (to choose by 15 October)

1. Abortion on Demand   
2. Affirmative Action  
3. Animal Rights (Animal Testing,
Zoos)  
4. Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia 
17. National/ Standardized
5. Capital Punishment  
Testing  
6. Economic Development vs.
18. Open Adoption  
Environment  
19. Prison Privatization  
7. Felons and the right to vote
20. Privacy vs. Security   
8. Gay Adoption / Same Sex Marriage
21. Legalization of Prostitution  
  
22. Religion in Public Schools 
9. Genetically Modified Foods
23. Child Soldiers  
10. Gun Control  
24. School Uniforms  
11. Home Schooling
25. Sex Education in Schools  
12. Sale of Human Organs   
26. Ban on Smoking  
13. Just War
27. Social media
14. Stricter Punishment for Juvenile
28. Torture in Interrogation  
Offenders
29. Compulsory Voting
15. Legalization of Marijuana
30. Zero Tolerance Policing 
16. Compulsory Military Service