The Honors College at FIU
Instructors: John Bailly, Bill Ritzi, & Bennett Schwartz

DEBATE PROJECT

DEBATE FORMAT

Topics
Students will be allowed to select their topic, but which side of the topic one will argue will be selected randomly.

Groups
Students will be divided into two groups of a maximum of four students.

Time
Each debate will last from 25 to 30 minutes.
A coin will be flipped. Winner gets to select whether they wish to go first or second.
5 min opening statement by Group A.
5 min opening statement by Group B.
10 min of open debate, moderated by professors.
5 min of questions from audience. Audience must formulate a clear question for Groups.
1 min closing statement by Group A.
1 min closing statement by Group B.
Audience votes for winning group.

Voting
It is essential for the audience to vote for the group they feel won the debate. The audience should not vote based on their conviction in relation to the given topic, but rather on the merits of the debate. (You may often vote against some of your ethics.)

Debate Tips
1. Groups should support their position with data. Objective evidence is essential in advancing a position.
2. Engage the audience. They will be judges of the debate, not the professors.
3. In order for a group to receive a good grade, all members must participate equally.
4. It is OK to be confrontational, but not to be disrespectful.
5. Be prepared. Groups should be as familiar with the opposition’s positions as their own. Try to anticipate counterpoints to your arguments.
6. Do not read prepared statements. Use notes only as reference. Rehearse.

To listen to debates of high standard on the Intelligence Squared US website.
http://intelligencesquaredus.org/

DEBATE TOPIC PAPERS

Write a support position essay about the topic of your debate. You must present an argument, supported in evidence – data, morality and/or logic. It is absolutely imperative that, regardless of your position, your paper is firmly grounded on research.

Each group member must select one subject within your topic to debate. Every student must write an individual paper about a unique subject. For example in writing on the topic “Is Classical culture or Judeo-Christian culture the most important influence in the USA?” one student may select culture, another law, yet another government, religion, science, etc... No two team members, however, may select the same subject, although students from opposing teams can discuss the same subject from their perspective.

Subject will be selected on a first come basis. The student that posts first claim on the class discussion board owns that topics.

Your research must include at least three sources and you are required to conduct original, personal research (such as a survey, interview, or data accumulation).

Each individual paper must be at least 1,750 words and must include a bibliography. Each paper must be submitted to turnitin.com.

The Honors College at FIU          john bailly dot com