Debate (Spring)
Grades 8 - 12Some information is not shown until you are registered, and logged in with an approved account.
Course Schedule
Dates: 2024-01-09 to 2024-05-16
8 of 12 spaces left
Tue: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Cost
Supplies: $0
Expectations and Homework
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About the Course

Debate offers an excellent avenue to learn public speaking, research, writing, critical thinking, and respectful argumentation. The goal is to learn to compare and contrast ideas in order to identify truth, or the best answer to the issue being discussed. With so many views presented in the culture today, being able to analyze ideas, in light of truth, is important.
Debate is a type of conversation, formal or informal, where people of differing opinions express their ideas and refute or challenge ideas that are opposed to theirs. True debate is the practice of comparing and contrasting ideas respectfully.
Rhetoric has been an important element of the classical tradition since the Athenian period. We will begin our study of debate by looking at the history and applications of debate. Then we will learn general logic and reasoning, critical thinking, tests of evidence, using evidence persuasively, refutation and rebuttals, stock issues, and finally two styles of debate - Team Policy (policy debate) and Lincoln Douglass (value debate).
This class will meet the spring semester only.
A textbook will be used. Most likely "Argumentation and Debate, Taking the Next Step" by Bush Haffey, Jeffrey B. Motter, and Christy Shipe.
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About Diane
Diane Cullen has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Business from Taylor University. She has taught at Cornerstone for nine years classes such as Speech, Debate, Literature, Life Skills, Career Planning, and Theater. Previously, Diane led Truth Advocates Speech and Debate Club for nine years teaching students the art of writing, speaking, and debate. She has judged and given feedback on hundreds of speeches and debates. She also served as Indiana State Representative for NCFCA (National Christian Forensics and Communications Association) running competitive tournaments for a six-state region. She taught Career Decision making at IUS for fifteen years. While at IUS, Diane was the Internship Coordinator and taught students how to write resumes and interview. She is a certified administrator for the Myers Briggs Type Indicator personality/career assessment. She loves helping students develop their giftings and develop skills for the future.
Diane homeschooled her five children who have graduated from high school and college. In her free time, she enjoys reading, designing homes, discussing good books, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family.