Debate Alliance Classes

Classes Currently Offered by Debate Alliance

Intro to Debate - 5 Week Winter Curriculum

Instructor: Joe Schatz

We teach this course on Outschool. When registering please use coupon code "COUNTBCDAWEB15" for $15 off. You can see available days and time for this class at https://outschool.com/classes/learn-to-debate-introductory-argumentation-in-5-classes-UxkPQ1Dx

Over the course of five weeks students will learn the basics of debate by teaching them how to become better at public speaking, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and argumentation. By the end of the course they will be better at forming arguments, taking notes, listening to others, and effectively advocating their beliefs through speech. Each class includes both a short lecture followed by an activity to help students learn the skill being taught during the lecture portion of class so that way students learn by participating. Students excited about learning to debate will excel in this course, and students who are curious but shy will be encouraged to come out of their shells. Each week will give students the opportunity to receive feedback and improve upon their performance, culminating in a mini-tournament in the final week.

This course is the ideal starting course for students who are interested in debate but have very minimal to no prior debate experience. Each week is designed to get students excited about debate and public speaking with encouraging and constructive feedback. A breakdown of the course is as follows...

Day One: Introduction to Debate and Mini-Debates.
Day Two: Learning how to Impact and Weigh Arguments
Day Three: Audience Adaptation and Persuasive Speaking Skills
Day Four: Asking and Answering Questions to Win
Day Five: Mini-Tournament

Again, all session of this course are taught on Outschool, you can see the offerings at https://outschool.com/classes/learn-to-debate-introductory-argumentation-in-5-classes-UxkPQ1Dx

 

Once a week for 5 weeks

90

Class Duration

4-12

Class Size

9-14 years

Age Range

120

Price Per Learner

Competitive Debate Club

Instructor: Joe Schatz

This class is designed for students who have participated in BCDA's competitive debate club and are ready to compete at tournament. This class will provide the zoom link for all coaching during the tournaments and where weekly meetings will take place for preparation. The cost of this class covers a weekly coaching session, coaching during tournaments, and registration fees for up to three tournaments.

Once a week for 10 weeks

90

Class Duration

2-12

Class Size

8-15 years

Age Range

250

Price Per Learner

Saint Paul the Apostle School Debate Team - Intermediate 10 Week Course

Instructor: Joe Schatz

This class is provided for students who are enrolled at Saint Paul the Apostle School in LA, CA. During this ten week course students will learn advanced argumentation tactics and bring their skills to the next level. This class should be taken by people who have taken St Paul's introductory five week program previously, or students with prior debate experience. Each class will include both a short lecture followed by an activity to help students learn the skill being taught during the lecture portion of class. Students will learn how about opportunity costs, procedural argumentation, disadvantages, and critical philosophy. These lectures are designed to help students learn how to better listen to their opponents, develop critical thinking skills, and discern the difference between reliable and unreliable sources for evidence. The first five weeks of this class will build upon the fundamental debate skills taught in the introductory five week course. The second five week students will compete in a tournament structure with a partner. Trophies will be awarded to the top teams and speakers at the conclusion of the ten weeks. By the end of the course students will have developed their public speaking skills, logical reasoning, as well as their ability to listen to and understand others. They will also know the format and should feel encouraged and capable in participating in debate tournaments against others. A breakdown of the course is as follows...

Week One: Recap of Basics of Debate, Ice Breakers, Speaking Drills
Week Two: Disadvantages and Opportunity Costs
Week Three: Procedural Argumentation and Philosophy
Week Four: A Lesson on Objectivity and Subjectivity, and a Return to Ethos Activity
Week Five: Debate Format & Topic, A Lesson on Utilitarianism and Deontology, Partnerships
Week Six: Rounds 1 & 2
Week Seven: Rounds 3 & 4
Week Eight: Rounds 5 & 6 
Week Nine: Quarterfinals & Semifinals, Debate Games for Eliminated Teams
Week Ten: Finals & Awards Ceremony

Again, this class is open only to students who attend school at Saint Paul the Apostle School in LA, CA.

Once a Week for Ten Weeks

90

Class Duration

4-48

Class Size

7-11 years

Age Range

135

Price Per Learner