hobbs

 

B Debate Syllabus

Page history last edited by jodee 3 mos ago
 
 

 

 

Andover Central High School
 
DEBATE I
 
 Course Syllabus
 
 
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
 
Instructor Name: jodee hobbs
Class Location: Room 402
Phone: 259-9861
E-Mail: hobbsj@usd385.org
 
COURSE INFORMATION
 
Prerequisite: none
 
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with debate in a classroom and competitive atmosphere. 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.
 
Course Objectives: This class will give you the opportunity to:
 
  1. develop efficient research skills through effective use of library and computer facilities,
  2. keep an open mind when exploring new issues and arguments in order to better understand those issues and arguments
  3. develop communication skills which emphasize fluency and persuasion
  4. listen critically and effectively to opposing arguments
  5. think critically and strategically about argumentation
  6. cut evidence efficiently and organize the evidence into briefs
  7. keep a neat, organized and accurate flowsheet that can be utilized during debate rounds
  8. keep a neat and organized set of files containing evidence on the debate topic
  9. demonstrate an understanding of both affirmative and negative speaker duties
  10. make sound arguments through the use of evidence, logic, and reasoning
  11. refute opposing arguments through the use of evidence, logic, and reasoning
  12. demonstrate organization and signposting skills while speaking
  13. adapt delivery style to judges as needed
  14. demonstrate knowledge of various debate theories by utilizing those theories and appropriate terminology on tests, assignments, and in debate rounds
  15. develop a working knowledge of the topic area and the resolution
 
Required Materials and Supplies: Students will be responsible for providing the necessary materials to learn and compete (tape, paper, scissors, file folders, pens, pencils, money for photocopies, and flow paper, etc.). Students will also need a notebook (folder or binder with pockets) that will be used exclusively for this class
 
Supplemental Reading Materials: You will have lots of files to keep track of and use throughout the semester. Be prepared.
 
Method of Evaluation & Major Assignments/Projects: 
 
There are 2 options. You will have until November 23 to decide which option you will take.
 
Option 1 – competition emphasis
 
Attend and participate in class activities. Class absences are excused in accordance with Andover district and school regulations as stated in your student planner. You will not be able to make up assignments if you have an unexcused absence.
 
100 POINTS                   Take exams as scheduled. There will be four scheduled tests. These tests will include objective and subjective questions.
 
50 POINTS                     Final. This test will include objective and subjective questions. 
 
300 POINTS                   You will be required to attend 3 tournaments. 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 have an affirmative case prepared and files appropriately divided.
 
150 POINTS                   You, as a part of a team will be required to construct an affirmative case and files to be used at tournament competition.
 
200 POINTS                   You will be required to complete briefs and other assignments as assigned by the instructor. 
 
100 POINTS                   You will be required to assist at the high school tournament. This assistance will include but not be limited to: providing judges, providing food, running errands, doing prep work and helping out with listed assignments as given.
 
80 POINTS                     You will be required to attend 8 practice sessions after school, lasting 2 hours each. 
 
20 POINTS                     You will be required to turn in parental signatures for your syllabus, for team rules and tournament travel. You will not be allowed to travel until these forms have been returned.
 
50 POINTS                     You will be required to keep a class notebook or folder. It must be brought to class every day. You will be given 10 points extra credit per notebook check for maintaining course materials.
 
Option 2 – classroom emphasis
 
Attend and participate in class activities. Class absences are excused in accordance with Andover district and school regulations as stated in your student planner. You will not be able to make up assignments if you have an unexcused absence.
 
200 POINTS                   Take exams as scheduled. There will be four scheduled tests. These tests will include objective and subjective questions.
 
50 POINTS                     Final. This test will include objective and subjective questions. 
 
200 POINTS                   You will be required to attend 2 tournaments. One of these tournaments must be a Saturday 5 round tournament. In order to attend tournaments you must have an affirmative case prepared and files appropriately divided. 
 
150 POINTS                   You, as a part of a team will be required to construct an affirmative case and files to be used at tournament competition.
 
200 POINTS                   You will be required to complete briefs and other assignments as assigned by the instructor. 
 
100 POINTS                   You will be required to assist at the high school tournament. This assistance will include but not be limited to: providing judges, providing food, running errands, doing prep work and helping out with listed assignments as given.
 
80 POINTS                     You will be required to attend 8 practice sessions after school, lasting 2 hours each. 
 
20 POINTS                     You will be required to turn in parental signatures for your syllabus, for team rules and tournament travel. You will not be allowed to travel until these forms have been returned.
 
50 POINTS                     You will be required to keep a class notebook or folder. It must be brought to class every day. You will be given 10 points extra credit per notebook check for maintaining course materials.
 
 
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. If you are grounded from travel, you will be placed into Option 2.
 
 
 
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.
 
Grading Scale:
 
A
100 – 90%
B
89 – 80%
C
79 – 70%
D
69 – 60%
F
59 – 0%
 
Which means: 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
 
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
 
  1. This class is part of 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. 
  2. Come ready to work and learn.
  3. Be responsible by keeping track of assignment due dates, test dates, and tournament dates.
  4. Be NICE! Show respect for classmates, teachers, and fellow competitors.
  5. Take notes when given.
  6. Ask questions if you have them.
  7. Remember to put your name on assignments.  No name could mean a “0” for your grade on the assignment.
  8. 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.
  9. Check student planners for additional rules. You are responsible for them.
  10. 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.   
  11. 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.
  12. 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 your behavior is not acceptable and expect for you to correct it. If necessary, I reserve the right to write you up and/or talk to your parents.
  13. 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.
  14. Each student may earn 20 points extra credit per nine weeks by bringing in a ream of printer paper or 150 1/3 cut filing labels.
  15. This syllabus is subject to change if the circumstances warrant it.
     
 
CLASS SCHEDULE
 
tentative
 
Week
Class activities
8/20-21
Introduction/basics
8/24-28
Basics/test 1/resolutional analysis
8/31-9/4
Affirmative/test 2
9/8-11
Case/Topicality
9/14-18
Disads/test 3
9/22-25
Research and evaluation of research
9/28-10/2
Briefing
10/5-9
Responding to arguments/test 4
10/12-15
Worktime
10/19-23
Worktime
10/26-30
Worktime
11/2-6
Worktime
11/9-12
Worktime
11/16-20
Worktime
11/23-24
Paradigms (option choice due 11/23)
11/30-12/4
Counterplans/Kritiks
12/7-11
Worktime
12/14-18
Final
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Debate I - Choice of class emphasis option
 
Please sign and return this page to your course teacher.  You have until November 23 to make this decision.
 
I have read and understand the policies as outlined for classroom grade option 1 and 2.  After consideration, I with the consent of my parents and/or guardians have decided to take Option ________.  I further realize that if I do not make a choice, the instructor will automatically assign option 1 to determine my grade.  I also realize that this could make a significant difference in my grade.
 
_____________________________________
Student Name
 
_____________________________________
Student Signature
 
_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
 
_____________________________________
Date
 

 

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