Andover Central High School
ADVANCED DEBATE
Course Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor Name: jodee hobbs
Class Location: Room 402
Phone: 259-9861
E-Mail: hobbsj@usd385.org
COURSE INFORMATION
Prerequisite: Debate I with grade of “C” or above; teacher approval; GPA of 2.5 or above
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to give students with previous debate experience an opportunity to improve their debate skills through classroom training, practice, and competition. Students will be able to learn debate concepts within a classroom setting and then apply those concepts in tournament competition throughout the semester. Students will have to do original research to complete their assignments.
Classroom Objectives: This class will give you the opportunity to:
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develop efficient research skills through effective use of library and computer facilities by finding evidence on the resolution
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demonstrate an understanding of both affirmative and negative speaker duties
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make sound arguments using logic and reasoning
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refute opposing arguments through the use of evidence, logic, and reasoning
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cut evidence efficiently and organize the evidence into briefs
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keep a neat, organized and accurate flowsheet that can be utilized during debate rounds
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demonstrate organization and signposting skills while speaking
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adapt delivery style after observing and analyzing judges
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demonstrate knowledge of various debate theories by utilizing those theories and appropriate terminology in debate rounds
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develop a working knowledge of the topic and the associate sub-areas within the resolution
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keep a neat and organized set of files containing evidence on the debate topic
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keep an open mind when exploring new issues and arguments in order to better understand those issues and arguments
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develop communication skills which emphasize fluency and persuasion
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listen critically and effectively to opposing arguments
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think critically and strategically about argumentation
Required Materials and Supplies: Students will be responsible for providing the necessary materials to learn and compete (tape, paper, files folders, scissors, pens, pencils, money for photocopies, and flow paper, etc.)
Supplemental Reading Materials: You will have lots of files to keep track of and use throughout the semester. Be prepared.
Method of Evaluation and Major Assignments/Projects:
Attend and participate in class activities. Class absences are excused in accordance with Andover district and school regulations as stated in your student handbook.
Students who do not follow team rules or guidelines may be asked to complete alternate assignments in place of tournament attendance for the good of the team.
100 POINTS Take exams as scheduled. There will be scheduled tests. These tests will include objective and subjective questions, based upon material covered in class or assigned to you. You will be required to take notes.
320 POINTS You will be required to attend 4 tournaments. After the tournament, you will have to turn in team report sheets (If these reports are not turned in, you will not receive credit for the tournament). More tournaments will be made available if you wish to attend and if it is possible to take you. In order to attend tournaments you must be deemed tournament ready. If you want to go to a tournament and are unsure if you are tournament ready, ask me.
75 POINTS You, as a part of a team will be required to construct an affirmative case to be used at tournament competition.
230 POINTS You will be required to complete briefs and other assignments as assigned by the instructor.
150 POINTS You will be required to assist at the high school tournament.
25 POINTS Final. This test will include objective and subjective questions.
10 POINTS You will be required to turn in parental signatures for your syllabus, for team rules, and for tournament traveling. These points will be extra credit points.
100 POINTS You will be required to attend 10 practice sessions after school, lasting about 2 hours each.
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.
Grading Scale: Your final grade will be determined by the number of points that you accumulate in completing the above requirements and assignments.
A 900 - 1000
B 800 - 899
C 700 - 799
D 600 - 699
F BELOW 600
This corresponds to the following percentages:
A 90 – 100%
B 80 – 89%
C 70 – 79%
D 60 - 69%
F below 60%
Homework: You will have homework for this class, some of which you can do during practices. You will need access to the internet and computers for some of it. If you want to be good, you will have to do some homework. If you want to be great, you will do more.
Late Work: Assignments are due when they are due. If there is a problem, let me know beforehand. Late assignments without a prior okay from me may result in a "0" for your grade on the assignment.
Make-Up Work: It is the student's responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from teachers following an excused absence. If a student misses an assignment due to a school sponsored event, it is their duty to make necessary arrangements with the teacher in advance.
Unexcused Absences: Students who have an unexcused absence will lose credit for all work missed during that class period.
Fundraising: Students wishing to compete at Nationals, State, or other out-of-town tournaments need to be prepared to fundraise.
All policies and guidelines from the Andover Central High School Student Handbook will be enforced.
Instructor Policies
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This class is a team. I expect you to work together for the common good and to help each other out as needed. Working against a teammate is unacceptable.
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Come ready to work, learn, and win.
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Be responsible by keeping track of assignment due dates, test dates, and tournament dates.
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Be NICE! Show respect for classmates, teachers, and fellow competitors.
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Take notes when given.
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Ask questions if you have them.
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Remember to put your name on assignments. No name could mean a “0” for your grade on the assignment.
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Do your own work. Make sure you read the definition of plagiarism in your handbooks. Do not “create” evidence. This would result in a “0” on the assignment and suspension from the team for a period of time.
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Check student planners for additional rules. You are responsible for them.
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Practice sessions will be held after school (3:30 – 5:30 M, TH) unless there is another scheduled event. There may be additional evening practices as needed for tournament prep.
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Students must be in attendance at the school’s tournament, unless released by MS. Hobbs (This will happen only in extreme circumstances). If you miss this tournament (and are excused), you will be required to make the grade up by doing other assignments. Start looking for judges now.
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This is a communication class, and I want you to feel comfortable talking in the class room. You learn more by expressing yourself on the topics discussed. BUT, talking off task or distracting the class is not acceptable. I will let you know if you are talking inappropriately. If necessary, I will write you up and/or talk to your parents.
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You will receive additional materials which will include a list of team rules, lettering requirements, N.F.L. membership requirements, travel schedule, and a permission/contract form to be signed by you and your parents or guardians. Failure to return the form prohibits you from traveling with the team.
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Each student may earn 20 points per 9 weeks by bringing in a ream of printer paper or 150 labels (1/3 cut). These items are very necessary for the classroom.
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This syllabus is subject to change if the circumstances warrant it.
Class Schedule
The class schedule will change as needed to cover the areas listed. I will modify class time to meet student’s requests and needs. The expectation for this class is that students will learn and develop their own philosophies for debate and be able to argue their merits in the class and in tournament competition.
My aim is that this will be done in a discussion/debate format – provided that students take an active role. There will be lecture, as necessary to facilitate learning.
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Week
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Class activities
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8/20-21
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Introduction/basic rules for class
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8/24-28
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Topic analysis / Negative possibilities
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8/31-9/4
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Write affirmative / Test I
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9/8-11
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Disadvantages
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9/14-18
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Topicality / Flowing
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9/22-25
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Counterplans / Test II
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9/28-10/2
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Counterplans
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10/5-9
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Kritiks
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10/12-15
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Kritiks / Test III
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10/19-23
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Paradigms
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10/26-30
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Cross-examination
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11/2-6
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Updates
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11/9-12
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Updates
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11/16-20
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Style
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11/23-24
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Paradigms 2 / Test IV
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11/30-12/4
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Updates
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12/7-11
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Updates
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12/14-18
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Updates
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