Debate/Public Speaking

DEBATE/PUBLIC SPEAKING COURSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a two-semester elective course, offered to all grade levels, in order to develop the fundamental knowledge and techniques of debate (forensics) and public speaking.  The purpose of this course is to promote academic excellence in oral communication, critical thinking and listening skills.  This course will engage students in the areas of:  research skills, media literacy, reading comprehension, argument literacy, evidence evaluation, summarizing, outlining and public speaking.

CONTACT

Teacher: Mrs. Joyce Boysel

Room: 9

Email: joyceboysel@foothillsschool.net

School Phone: (619) 303-8035

Required Materials:

• 3 x 5 note cards & plastic box for filing note cards (evidence)
• 4 different colored pens for flowing (debate)
• Notepad (legal size) for debate unit
• 1” 3 ring binder for handouts

IN-CLASS EXPECTATIONS:

Debate/Public Speaking is a participation driven class.  There will not be a lot of paperwork as in most traditional classes, but your participation (points are given each week) in class activities and event preparation is mandatory.  Students are expected to attend class EVERY day, participate and be self-motivated.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:           

1. Students are to show RESPECT to all people at all times.
2. The following items are not allowed in class: cell phones, MP3 players, food, beverages (except bottled water), and any other items in violation of school policy. NO GUM IS ALLOWED!
3. Students are expected to know and obey all school policies.
4. Students should have all required materials with them every day.
5. The student is expected to be in their seat and ready to learn at the start of class; any student not in their seat will be considered tardy.

Attendance:

If a student is absent they are responsible for finding out what they missed and being prepared for the next day that they attend. This includes having any due homework and being prepared for a quiz, test or presentation if there is one. No makeup quizzes, tests or presentations will be given for unexcused absences.

Tests:

There will be a test at the end of each semester covering assigned reading, handouts and lectures.

Homework:

Students will be given a variety of home learning assignments throughout the year.  The purpose of these assignments is to reinforce what we learn in class and preparation for Speech and Debate Tournaments.  These assignments will include, but are not limited to: research, reading and writing assignments as well as skill set drills.

Quizzes: There will be quizzes after each reading assignment during the 1^st Semester in order to reinforce Debate principles and terminology.

Notes: Notes will be taken every day. Any student caught not taking notes will lose participation points for the week.

Participation: Participation points are yours to lose. That means that you get 10 pts each week automatically unless you have lost any throughout the week.

Ways to lose participation points: being tardy, not being prepared for class (includes research projects that are due), using the restroom during class, not taking notes, having a bad attitude, breaking any class rules as listed under Classroom Etiquette, not participating in class discussions.

Extra Credit: Extra credit will be given for any research above and beyond required assignments.  It will also be given for attendance/participation to more than required (2 per year) Speech/Debate Tournaments.

Grading System:

Grades are based on the following point system:

This is only an approximate break down of the grade; there may be more or less quizzes.

Letter grades are based on the following percentage scale: