Purpose/Rationale:
A course in argumentation is intended to give students a broad background in the general types of debate and discussion that have taken place in various cultures and in different times.  Opportunities are provided for securing theoretical knowledge of debate and gaining practical experience in reasoning and argumentation.  Theory comes from analysis of debate procedures.  Experience comes from observing and judging debates, and participating in debate tournaments and student congress.

Course description/Requirements:
The year begins with a look at debate resolutions and the methods of arguing them in academic debate circles. After informal impromptu debates are held, students move into congressional debate, then public forum debate and finally policy debate. If time permits students also look at mock trial as debate.  Position papers are written and presented several times for each type of debate.

Students who would like to earn college credit for this course from the University of Pittsburgh can do so by following the procedures detailed by the instructor, as those details become available.

Because so much of the class depends on participation, attendance is critical. The student is expected to learn how to evaluate the arguments of others as well as presenting their own line of arguments. This can best be accomplished by being present in the classroom and then secondly, by participating in public debate forums such as forensic tournaments.

If the parents of a student need to reach the instructor they can do so by sending in a note with the student or by sending an email to Ms. Beth Young.  In addition, assignments for this class are posted on the school’s homework hotline 412-321-4823 x429 and on the teacher’s website under “Class Log.”

Evaluation Procedures:
1.     Research projects on current issues
2.     Written work that results in affirmative and negative cases
3.     Tests on general information and theory
4.     Performance during in-school debates
5.     Performance during tournament debates and student congress