Overview
Each group should choose a topic Each group will sketch out a proposition and two competing positions to debate on the topic, for and against the proposition. Two group members will argue each position (2 for, 2 against).
Your proposition should state a claim that team 1 will argue. Team 2 will argue against this proposition.
Topic
The debate topic should have global/international implications, demonstrating your ability to understand global connectedness and interdependence.
The topic may be based in local, regional, or international examples, so long as it has global implications.
Sample Topics
If you wish, you may choose one of the following sample topics. Keep in mind that two of you will need to take one side of the debate and two of you will need to take the other.
Solutions to global warming (choose two different alternatives, such as carbon offsets and renewable energy credits)
The European Union should handle migrants and refugees coming to its shores in a humane, welcoming manner.
Animal testing should be banned.
Violent video games should be banned.
All people should have universal basic income.
Smoking should be banned in all public places.
Social media has improved human communication.
The development of artificial intelligence will benefit humanity.
Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.
Native American and other indigenous peoples’ sovereignty should take precedence over extraction of natural resources.
Format
Each speaker should take 2.5-3 minutes.
Affirmative 1: for the proposition. State your claim and offer support.
Negative 1: against the proposition. State your counter-claim and offer support.
Affirmative 2: rebuttal of team 2’s argument. State reasons why team 2’s argument is flawed and offer additional support for your own position.
Negative 2: rebuttal of team 1’s argument. State reasons why team 1’s argument is flawed and offer additional support for your own position.
All speakers: be sure to use the techniques for making a strong argument we have discussed so far, including offering and evaluating claims ( Critical Thinking and Communication, chapter 4).
If the group only has three members, please argue the position 2 for, 1 against.
Presentation STRUCTURE
Each debate participant will use their webcam to record their section of the debate.
The debate does not involve a PowerPoint or any visual aid beyond video of yourself
The debate is an assignment that involves oral communication skills: organization of your ideas, clear speech, oral mastery of your ideas (you should not sound like you are reading, reciting a script, or mumbling), body language, pronunciation, projection, confidence, etc.
Do not read your reports in the debate or read from notes. Talk to each other, making eye contact with your webcam, glancing occasionally at notes if absolutely necessary (less ideal) or without any notes (ideally).
Report
Each group should submit a 1½-to-2 page report, due the same day as debate video. It should include the following information:
The main proposition that you are debating
Summary of team 1’s claim (in favor of the main proposition) and the support team 1 used to argue for the proposition.
Summary of team 2’s claim (against of the main proposition) and the support team 1 used to argue for the proposition.
Consider the techniques of argument we have learned so far and address the following questions.
What combination of deductive, inductive, abductive, and narrative reason did each team use?
Did team 1 offer a strong claim? Using the criteria for evaluating claims (in Critical Thinking and Communication 127-132), why or why not?
Did team 2 offer a strong claim? Using the criteria for evaluating claims (in Critical Thinking and Communication 127-132), why or why not?
Which team offered a stronger argument overall? Why?
The report should be written in full and thoughtful sentences and paragraphs. It does not need to have an introduction or a conclusion.
Report format:
Please use complete sentences, double space, and use 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins.
Reports submitted after the deadline will lose 5% of their grade per day. No reports will be accepted beyond 7 days after the deadline.
The cover page should include the name and ID number of every member of the group who worked on the debate
Submission
Please include the speaker position in your file name (Affirmative 1, Negative 2, etc.). So, the files for group 1 would be:
Group1.Affirmative1.mpg
Group1.Negative1.mpg
Group1.Affirmative2.mpg
Group1.Negative2.mpg
Group1.Report.docx
