Debate
Argumentation, Ethics, Persuasion: The Jurist's Writ
Debate is primarily a persuasive activity. Students give prepared or extemporaneous speeches (depending on the event) and their arguments are judged against the arguments of other competitors on their merits and persuasiveness. Debate can also be an adversarial activity, meaning that students speak in response to the points made by their opponents (this means that debaters respond directly to what their opponents say, and the winner is determined based on who "won" the arguments). In a nutshell, debate can be adjudicated in a comparative manner (was my speech better than my opponent's?)and in a more directly adversarial manner (did my arguments defeat the arguments of my opponent?).
Grades: 7-12 (difficulty varies by grade and ability)
16 Classes (60 minutes per class)
Cost: ₩40,000 per class (₩640,000 Total)
Lead Instructor
Mika Richardson, J.D.
Mika has been a lifelong tutor. She thrives on connecting with students and understands how to listen to parents and how to effectively communicate with students. Graduating Summa Cum Laude and 4th in her class, Mika received her J.D. from University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Among her amazing accomplishments, she was a Law Clerk for Vice Chief Justice John Pelander of the Arizona Supreme Court. She is bubbly, talkative, very funny, and most of all— she is committed to the development of all the students in her care.
Award Winning Instructors
Leaders in their Field
1000s of teaching hours
Featured Achievement: Law Clerk for Vice Chief Justice John Pelander of the Arizona Supreme Court
Course Description
Debate helps learners to see the power of deploying rational, reasoned arguments and compelling evidence in action. It enables them to elucidate their standpoint through utilizing rhetorical eloquence. It instills in debaters a great sense of poise and confidence. It teaches them the skills of researching, organizing, and presenting information in a compelling fashion.
Students will learn to debate and think critically about both sides of real-world issues. Learning to debate fosters strong oral and written communication skills as students research relevant topics, organize their findings, and present persuasive arguments. By the end of class, students will be able to debate the pros and cons of various issues, identify and apply characteristics of successful argument, utilize research tools to develop evidence-based arguments, employ rules of etiquette surrounding debate, and speak in public with poise and confidence. Debate helps learners see the power of rational, reasoned arguments and compelling evidence.
The students will learn how to craft, develop and assemble a fiction portfolio. Specifically, students will:
- be able to identify characteristics of various styles of debate.
- build successful arguments based on research, logic, and critical thinking.
- use research tools to identify supporting evidence for claims on either side of an argument.
- employ rules of etiquette surrounding debate.
- use thematic vocabulary and background knowledge gathered from nonfiction reading to debate three different topics related to current events.
- improve their ability to critically analyze social and philosophical topics, and clearly communicate related opinions orally as well as in writing.
Students should have a high level intermediate academic understanding of the English language. Most sections will only be able to be completed by advanced students. There are three levels of the course: intermediate, advanced and exceptional. Intermediate speakers may understand academic vocabulary and possess strong listening skills but struggle to respond fluently. Advanced students are students that take normal classes in English, students who might go to an international school for example and have no trouble speaking English but want to learn the skills offered by this class. Exceptional students are comfortable with speaking English and high achievers in their classes. This would be equivalent to an AP level ability. All students will be individually assessed by the instructor to determine their capacity to take this seminar any any level.
In the event that the student's level is not sufficient for this class, another class can be offered that would be more suitable for the English level. If you like the instructor, we all have one-on-one sessions available.
Before each class students are expected to have completed all assigned readings and assignments.
All tasks will be assigned in class. Students will be expected to do work in specified google docs and share them with the teacher as well as their individual NSEO Workshop (included with the course). Students should be prepared to present and discuss the work with teachers and peers.
