MELBA SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 136

MELBA HIGH SCHOOL

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Subject Area: Language Arts

Course Title: Debate

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 9-12

Major Concepts:

The major purpose of this course is to provide students with a basic foundation of how policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate works. This course will introduce the students to concepts for outlining, brief writing, note taking, research procedures, and organizing arguments.

Content:

The content shall include but not be limited to the following:

· Students will learn how to create a brief and flow chart.

· Students will learn how to gather research from various sources.

· Students will learn how to present the negative and affirmative sides of an argument.

· Students will use research to negate and refute cases.

· Students will learn skills to help them in writing, researching, oral speaking, and articulation.

Intended Outcomes:

After successfully completing this course, the students will be able to:

· Use various sources to gather research.

· Present an argument based on facts and research.

· Fell more confident in their abilities to speak, write, and debate.

Grading:

Students will be graded on the following criteria:

· Attendance and Participation----------30%

· Evidence/Research Cards--------------20%

· Tests and Quizzes-----------------------20%

· Assignments (Debates)-----------------30%

Special Note:

This is a class that debates political and moral issues established by the National Forensics League and Idaho State Debate Association.