- Speech and Debate
Semester-length class (fall)
No prerequisite
This is the core class for students interested in learning about official high school debate formats and competing for the debate team. This course reviews the basics of debate and public speaking, as well as introduces advanced forms of argumentation, including topicality, counterplans, disadvantages, weighing mechanisms, and frameworks. Students will primarily research both sides of the official national topics but will have opportunities to explore additional controversies and subjects. In addition to practicing constructive, rebuttal, and cross-examination strategies, students will develop a variety of tactical skills, including evidence comparison, cost-benefit analysis, note-taking, audience adaptation, and more. While debate is competitive in nature, students will never be graded on wins or losses, and the class works collaboratively to create and prepare cases against other schools. The class is offered in the fall semester, but students will have opportunities to attend additional tournaments in the spring. Upper School students may take this class multiple times; students should re-enroll in this class every year if they want to compete for the team.