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Debate

Grades 9 - 12
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Course Schedule
Class Follows Upper Spring Only Schedule
Dates: 2027-01-07 to 2027-05-13
Cost
Tuition: $200 / Semester
Supplies: $0
Expectations and Homework
This class involves reading, answering questions related to the reading, quizzes, research, writing, speaking, and debating. Students will spend around 1 1/2 hours most weeks (or up to 3 hours occasionally) outside of class depending on the assignment for the week.
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About the Course
Debate

Debate provides an opportunity to develop the skills of public speaking, research, writing, critical thinking, and respectful argumentation. Debate is a type of conversation where those of differing opinions express their ideas, and refute/challenge ideas opposed to theirs. Debate is the practice of comparing and contrasting ideas respectfully in order to identify truth. With so many views present in the culture today, being able to analyze ideas, in light of truth, is invaluable.

Students learn the structure of a debate round, general logic and reasoning, critical thinking, how to use evidence persuasively, how to refute arguments, how to find credible sources, and the nuances and rules of policy debate. Students write a debate case and debate in class. This class meets for one semester and can be counted as an English/Language Arts credit for Indiana Core 40.

Textbook: The Great Debate: A Handbook for Policy Debate and Public Forum Debate: Wolfson, Jonathan A: 9780974639826: Amazon.com: Books

Payments and the class deposit can be paid via check, cash, or venmo (Venmo is: Diane Cullen@Diane-Cullen-14).

Registration

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About Diane
Diane

I have taught at Cornerstone since 2013. Before that I taught my own children (five of them) and also taught at IUS (for 15 years). I served as a coach for Truth Advocates Speech and Debate Club for nine years teaching students the skills of speaking and debating for competition. In that role I also worked with teams to plan and run tournaments. I attended Taylor University and earned a BA in communications and business.

In my free time I enjoy participating in and leading Bible studies, writing, exploring, traveling, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family.

More Classes
View other classes for elementary and upper school or all courses taught by Diane Cullen.