Beginning Debate Syllabus

BEGINNING DEBATE SYLLABUS

SEMESTER: Fall 2014

INSTRUCTORS: Mr. Trey Witt- 2nd, 4th (913) 993-6660 [email protected] http://www4.smsd.org/treywitt

Mrs. Jennifer Hunter- 5th, 7th (913) 993-6768 [email protected] http://www4.smsd.org/jenniferhunter ROOM: 413B (Mrs. Hunter is often in LCL before and after school)

TEXT: Mastering Competitive Debate

DESCRIPTION: Invaluable skills in the areas of speaking, thinking, organization, research and writing are emphasized in this course. Students learn to support two or more sides of a controversial question. Beginning students are encouraged to develop leadership, teamwork, cooperation and dependability in tournament preparation and squad relations. Students have numerous opportunities to use their new skills and will be encouraged to participate in debate contests. Minimal after- school work is expected. Maximum course cost is $25.00.

MATERIALS: -We charge a mandatory course fee of $25. This fees goes toward the cost of entry fees, room supplies, and materials. -Dress clothes for tournaments (see below). This will also be discussed in class -Laptop charged in class every day -Flash drive -Writing utensils and spiral or binder with paper for note-taking -You must download and install Verbatim for mac ONLINE RESOURCES: I will be using my web back pack- www4.smsd.org/treywitt, this year with a google calendar of assignments and due dates. Any assignment sheets, templates or work sheets to be completed will be posted as attachments on skyward. Students will use these documents to create their assignments before sharing them with me as “google docs” through google drive. Any evidence or squad files to be turned in must be submitted via dropbox. I would prefer that students NOT email assignments to me.

ELECTRONIC USE POLICY: 1. Respect- Although we will be using the laptops frequently, we will not use them all of the time. If I have the floor, or another classmate, laptops should be closed and phones should be away! 2. Responsibility- You also must be responsible and proactive in terms of taking care of your laptop (keeping it charged, not leaving it behind, etc), but also- making sure you download any attachments before leaving school from skyward or web back pack in case you may not have internet access at home. Be prepared to use a home computer in case of technical problems. Worst-case scenario- turning in handwritten work is better than turning in nothing. Additionally, do not use the multitude of resources as a crutch. You should still take notes, write assignments down in a planner or electronic calendar, and LISTEN in class. Do not expect every detail from class to be available online. 3. Reality- technology is now, more than ever, a part of our culture. I think we all should embrace this, but this will present challenges and temptations. There may be times when you are given time to work on assignments and multi-tasking or internet distractions may tempt you. Ultimately, you are responsible for your education, so do not expect extensions or leniency if you choose to not use class time appropriately.

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES: The student will . analyze a major social problem . acquire research skills . employ electronic resources for research and data management . comprehend and practice communication theory . comprehend and practice argumentation theory . comprehend and practice debate theory . understand effective communication techniques . identify, listen and view appropriate material and critically analyze content and presentation . develop leadership skills . apply human relations skills when collaborating with others . develop and demonstrate basic composing skills . demonstrate basic delivery techniques . adjust/adapt performances based upon written and oral critiques . develop the ability to give and receive appropriate constructive criticism . develop and apply ethical standards to oral and written communication.

WINNING AND LOSING: At no point will an East debater be graded based on winning or losing a debate (whether during a practice or competition). There are other requirements for receiving credit that will be described below.

TOURNAMENT REQUIREMENTS: You are REQUIRED* to work the SME Debate Invitational Tournament, which is scheduled for Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15, 2014. The tournament will be worth 200 points. Each debater must also cover 4 judging slots for the SME Tournament. Each slot is worth 25 points. (Extra credit will be available for extra judges). You may earn five points per slot up to 25 extra credit points. Please see the restrictions on extra credit later in the syllabus. You are also REQUIRED* to compete in a minimum of two (2) tournaments by November 8, at least one of which must be first quarter. First quarter ends October 11 th . The guaranteed dates of competition for novices are 9/27, 10/4 (tentative), 10/11, 10/25, 11/8 . Normally there are debate tournaments every weekend from mid September through December, but these are the only weekends in which East novice debaters are guaranteed a spot to debate. *In the event a student cannot work at the SME Tournament or compete in tournaments, an alternative assignment is available. Details about this option can be found in debate eligibility packet that students will receive. Please keep in mind that the tournaments are the lab for the debate course. Not going to tournaments is the equivalent to reading about computer applications, but never actually using a computer. You learn about how computers work, but you never actually learn how to use the computer.

Plan Ahead: It is your responsibility to schedule participation in tournaments in order to receive the number of tournament participation points that are necessary for you to achieve the grade you desire. The number of teams that we are allowed to take to a particular tournament is limited by the school hosting the tournament. Furthermore, we have a large squad and often, we are spread out at as many as 4-5 locations in one weekend. We have a limited number of coaches and sponsors each weekend who are available to travel with the students and this often prevents us from accommodating all teams/students who have signed up to debate. Therefore, if you wait until the end of the quarter/semester to sign up for tournaments, there may not be enough available openings for you to achieve the goal you have set for yourself. You should sign up for tournament participation EARLY in the semester.

Signing up and cancelling: Sign-up sheets will be posted on the wall for each weekend. Debate is a partner-based activity and students compete on teams of two. Students may not debate “maverick” or solo. Students may sign up with a partner or individually. If you sign up individually, you will be paired with someone who may or may not be in your class. Please write legibly on the sign-up sheets and make sure your name is not on there twice. Please be sure not to sign up a partner to debate with you until you have DISCUSSED this with your potential partner and confirmed that they are available and have not agreed to debate with a different partner that weekend. Because you select the weekends on which you debate, you may not cancel your participation later than the Thursday one week before the tournament. If you do cancel after the close date (without finding a substitute), you are required to go to two tournaments to make up the one you canceled or take a “0”. Please remember that you are a member of the team. When you sign up for a tournament, it means that one of your teammates will not be able to go to that tournament. By the time you cancel, they may have already made other plans for the weekend; therefore, they can no longer attend the tournament. It also means that we end up paying for an entry we have cancelled. If your partner backs out of a tournament at the last minute and no substitute is found, you must still compete in the same number of tournaments. In other words, you will not be penalized for your partner bailing, but you will not have the tournament waived. Please take your commitment seriously and be responsible. Make sure to let Mr. Witt know if you come across any problems/questions and check your personal and family calendars before signing up for a tournament.

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION: Most tournaments follow the same schedule, although there is some variety. Most novice (beginning debate) tournaments are available on Saturdays only, although there are occasionally a few Friday and Saturday tournaments with novice divisions. Regardless, when you sign up to compete on a given weekend, you will have the option to sign up for either a Saturday-only tournament or for a two-day tournament. The five SME Novice tournaments (Saturday only) are the only tournaments in which East novices are guaranteed a spot to debate for tournament credit. We often are able to take novices out to “real” tournaments, however.

Two-Day Format (Least Common): These tournaments are traditionally more competitive than Saturday-only tournaments, partly because these tournaments have “out-rounds” or elimination rounds. You will usually be excused from school between 1:00 to 2:00 in order to change and travel to the tournament site. There will usually be 2-3 rounds on Friday after school and students should be finished between 6:30 and 8:00 pm. Students will then need to be back at the tournament site at 7:30 am Saturday morning for 2-3 additional prelim rounds. There are 5 preliminary rounds- half affirmative and half negative. Students should be finished between 11:00 and 12:30, but only may leave once they have checked out with the sponsor or coach. If they advance to out-rounds, however, they must stay as long as they are still in the tournament. Out-rounds work just like a basketball bracket, with quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. If in out-rounds, students may be debating until 7 p.m. and they must stay as long as they are still in the tournament if wanting to receive tournament credit. Novices who do not advance to out-rounds may leave but are encouraged to stay and watch out- rounds. Students are responsible for providing their own dinner on Friday. They may give $5 to the sponsor or coach for pizza on Saturday or they may bring their own lunch.

One-Day Format (Most Common): Sometimes these occur on Saturdays of two-day advanced tournaments, but most are tournaments that occur only on Saturday. SME’s Novice Debate Tournaments fall under this category. Most novices compete in the Saturday-only tournaments. Typically, students must show up in their dress clothes at the tournament no later than 7:30 a.m. There will typically be 5 rounds- half affirmative and half negative- 8:00, 9:30, 11:00, lunch at 12:15, 1:00, 2:30, and a brief awards ceremony around 4:00 to 4:30 pm. Students will be finished no later than 5:00 pm. Students are responsible for their own lunch. They may give $5 to the sponsor or coach for pizza on Saturday or they may bring their own lunch. Students may not leave for lunch.

Transportation: Most tournaments that debaters travel to are in the Johnson County area. Directions can be found on my web back pack site and they will be posted on the newsletter as well. According to Shawnee Mission rules, the district must provide transportation to tournaments outside of Johnson County. Otherwise, if a tournament is within Johnson County, students are typically responsible for their own transportation. We will try to arrange carpools as often as possible for Friday-Saturday tournaments within the area, but typically for Saturday-only tournaments, students are responsible for finding a ride to and from the tournament location (if it is within Johnson County). Students must stay at the tournament as long as they are still competing and for the award ceremony to support the squad. Specific times can be found in the weekly newsletter. Please see the transportation form in the co-curricular packet for more details.

Overnights: Some advanced debaters often travel on overnight tournaments in Kansas and throughout the Midwest. Novices rarely debate at overnight tournaments, but if they do, we always approach this as an opportunity to them. Novices are never forced to debate at overnight tournaments and few novices are given this as an option. The only cost that students must provide for tournaments is meal expenses. If students travel on an overnight trip, there is often an overnight fee (usually $20 per night) to contribute to the cost of gas, van rentals, and lodging costs. Entry fees are paid for out of the debate budget and course fee account. When debating at tournaments, students are encouraged to plan in advance in terms of getting tubs and evidence out of the debate room.

Computers: You will be using your macbooks at tournaments so make sure these are charged and bring them with you.

Newsletter: The information above reflects typical schedules and procedures for tournaments. For more specific information about tournaments, results, and squad news, please read the weekly newsletter. This will be posted in the debate room, emailed to students and parents, and posted on web back pack.

SME Tournament: More information about the Shawnee Mission East tournament will be provided in October. This will include student jobs, food, schedules, judging information, etc. Because we host this tournament, East students do not compete, but rather help in hosting and managing the tournament.

TOURNAMENT SELECTION: Please keep in mind that you sign up for the WEEKENDS in which you debate, not the TOURNAMENTS. We have a large squad, and thus, travel to various locations each weekend. When you sign up to compete on a given weekend, you are making the commitment to compete regardless of the location you are assigned. Tournament assignment is a coaching decision that we make carefully, considering many variables. You may make a request on the sign up sheet, but THAT DOES NOT MEAN IT WILL BE CONSIDERED OR GRANTED.

TOURNAMENT DRESS AND CONDUCT: Tournaments are essentially a completion assignment. This is the largest component of students’ debate grade because of the time they give up on weekends debating. While you are not evaluated on your record at tournaments, there are certain expectations of all SME debaters, mainly in terms of etiquette and behavior. You do not automatically receive credit for the tournament grade simply by signing up. Any of the following occurrences will result in receiving a “0” for a tournament, finding a replacement partner/team, paying for the cost of your entry fee and travel expenses, and competing in 2 additional tournaments to replace the failed one:

 disrespect to coaches, competitors, judges, or host school  inappropriate behavior or inappropriate attire (dress will be discussed and modeled at Meet the Coach night and in class)  missing rounds  showing up late  leaving before all East teams are out or before checking out with the sponsor  not flowing out-rounds when East teams are still in  not showing up on time  canceling or backing out after the close date  leaving for lunch or elsewhere without permission  lack of any effort or forfeiture of rounds  not cleaning up after yourself (in the commons or squad sitting place).  criticizing your partner and other teammates  harassing the sponsor for results, food, attention, etc.  poor sportsmanship  Please don’t make us add to the list

LETTERING: In order to earn a first year (novice) letter in debate, students must compete in 3 tournaments, complete one practice round judged by advanced debaters after school each quarter, work the SME tournament, fulfill all judging requirements for the East tournament, and earn an “A” or “B” for the semester. The list of students who letter in debate will be posted in December.

AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICES: At the novice level, students must complete one after school practice debate to be judged by one or two advanced debaters PER QUARTER (50 pts. Each). A sign up sheet will be posted for various times and nights throughout each quarter that should accommodate students with work/practice schedules, etc. The benefit of these debates is that the students get to learn from the advanced debaters and get some information from current competitors’ perspectives. This is also beneficial for novices to be acclimatized with the advanced squad. Students will receive full credit for the round if the advanced debaters sign off on the debaters’ “flows” and indicate on the ballot that the debaters used their full speech times, evidence, and made an honest effort. Students who are interested in more competitive opportunities are especially encouraged to work with advanced students and assistant coaches even more often after school. There is always a debate coach available to assist and supervise after school and there are usually many advanced debaters working as well. It may seem intimidating or “nerdy” at first, but work nights are actually a very fun experience.

NSDA MEMBERSHIP: Students become members of NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association) once they earn 25 points. Points are earned through competition and are accumulated throughout students’ debate and forensic careers. The more students compete and the better they perform, the more points and degrees they earn. NSDA membership and degrees are highly recognized by most colleges. NSDA membership comes with a one-time $25 fee. Students will learn more about this later in the semester.

IN-CLASS DEBATES: Debating in class is a large component of the grade in Beginning Debate. Because of the logistical difficulty of scheduling 10-15 teams per class debating each other, we reserve the right to call any team at random to debate. Students are all given the same amount of time in advance to prepare for debates so excuses will not be accepted. Excused absences are the only exception. For this reason, we do not adhere to a strict schedule. If Tom and Mary are scheduled to debate on Wednesday, but Tom is sick, we will have to pull the team of Ross and Rachel to sub in. Ross and Rachel may say “But I thought we weren’t debating until next week,” but these excuses will not be accepted. Rubrics for these debates will be passed out later in the semester.

NOTES AND NOTEBOOKS: There are many concepts and terms that are specific to debate that will be discussed and presented this semester. It is going to be very important that students take thorough notes. All debate ballots (from in class and at tournaments) and other assignments will be filed in each student’s hanging file. All evidence and files will be stored electronically on your macbook.

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING: We have planned a variety of activities for this semester. These assignments and activities will include, but are not limited to work sheets, quizzes, tests, case writing, brief writing, research, team policy debates and attendance at tournaments. You will be given specific explanations of each assignment when it is made.

MAKE UP/ LATE WORK/ EXTRA CREDIT: Excused Absence: You are personally responsible for each class assignment. According to Board policy, if you are absent, a missed assignment will be due on the day you return to class if the assignment was made prior to the absence. You are allowed 2 CALENDAR DAYS (not SCHOOL) days to make up work for each excused absence. So if you are absent on Monday, you must come check with me on Tuesday about assignments that you may have missed (regardless of whether or not you have me in class on Tuesday). Your assignments will be then due on Thursday. If you are absent for three or more consecutive days, you should make arrangements with the teacher ON THE DAY YOU RETURN TO SCHOOL if you believe you need an extension of the due date on a long-term assignment. Extending the due date on long-term assignments will be made in extreme cases only. You must see the instructor BEFORE OR AFTER school on the day you return to get your make up work.

Unexcused Absence: According to Board policy, you may NOT make up any assignments that were missed.

Late Assignments: You may turn in heavily weighted assignments (25 points or more) late, with a deduction of 10% each day the assignment is late. Late work will not be accepted for daily assignments, worksheets, quizzes, etc. Students may NOT do “late” in-class debates. The teacher will call teams to debate and if they chose not to debate when called upon, they will receive a “0.”

Extra Credit: Extra credit is defined as credit that a student may receive for work that goes beyond the course requirements. Extra credit will only be allowed if a student completes ALL class assignments. The purpose of extra credit in debate is to offer students the opportunity to improve their performance levels, not to compensate for a missed assignment.

SEMINAR: Only debaters who are productive in class will be allowed to come in during seminar. Please keep in mind that we are limited as far as how many kids we may let into seminar because of the students who will already be assigned to our seminars. If you abuse seminar and come in just to suck up space and/or resources, you will not be allowed to come back. The first few seminar sessions will be devoted to lab meetings, with 1-2 labs meeting per seminar session.

CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES:

Rule #1: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. You must treat each of your teammates, opponents, guests in our room, etc. with the same level of respect with which you expect to be treated. You may do only those things that do not interfere with your learning or the learning of anyone else.

Rule #2: Focus on the learning. Treat your space as both a classroom and a squad room. Debate is a co-curricular activity because there is a class component as well as a tournament component and each is equally important.

Rule #3: Time-Management. Use class time productively. Because of the nature of this class, there are a lot of lectures. When you are given time to work individually or with a partner, take advantage of this! Remember that if you are called on to debate, you must be prepared. If you choose not to make full use of class time and after school time, you will get no flexibility from me. Do not expect extensions on assignments, early dismissals for tournaments, or passes out of other classes to prep for tournaments.

Rule #4: Don’t be late! I expect everyone to be here on time, both because I am responsible for you and because you miss announcements and valuable class time when you are late. I DO take daily attendance and will mark you tardy if you are not here when the bell rings. If I start to notice that your tardies are becoming a problem, disciplinary actions will follow (#1 warning, #2 parent phone call, #3 detention, #4 Friday school).

Rule #5: Listen up! Nothing irritates me more than having to constantly wait to get the class’s attention or tell kids to quit talking. Please don’t contribute to my migraines. Be respectful when I have the floor just as I am respectful when have the floor and I will expect your classmates to be respectful when you have the floor. Do not even THINK about getting on a computer or laptop until I have finished announcements and given the entire class permission.

ROOM MAINTENANCE: While having a strong squad atmosphere is important, it is important to remember that you can feel at home here without treating this room as your home. Your mom is not here to clean up after you so do NOT expect me to. If you are caught not taking care of materials, cleaning up after yourself, this will result in a loss of material use, privileges, and detention.

Have a fun and fulfilling semester!

Mr. Witt and Mrs. Hunter  Beginning Debate Acknowledgement of Co-Curricular Activity Requirements and Classroom Expectations

STUDENT NAME: ______

Debate is classified as a co-curricular activity meaning that there are required components outside of class that impact a student’s grade. These requirements have specific due dates and times and cannot be made up. Grading is based upon participation and completion of these assignments. The requirements outside of class are as follows:

1. Students need to compete in 2 tournaments, one per quarter. The dates of guaranteed tournaments for novices are 9/27, 10/4 (tentative), 10/11, 10/25, 11/8. First quarter ends October 11th. The times of the tournaments are Saturday from 7:30am to 5:00pm. (200 pts per tournament)

2. Students need to do 1 out of class practice debate each quarter (either during seminar or after school).

3. Students need to work the SME Invitational Tournament on November 14th and 15th. The times are Friday from 3:30pm – 8:00pm and Saturday from 7:30am – 12:00pm. (100 pts)

4. Students need to recruit 4 rounds of judging for the East Tournament on November 14th and/or 15th. The available times and more info about the East tournament will be sent out in October. The only judging requirement is that a judge must be out of high school. (Each round is worth 25pts for a total of 100pts)

I am aware of the co-curricular requirements listed above and understand my commitment to these assignments should I select Option 1 (see debate eligibility packet).

I am also aware of the rules, procedures, and practices associated with SME Debate as outlined in the attached syllabus.

______Student’s Signature Date

______Parent’s Signature Date