Remember
that the last weeks of the semester, we will do in-class debates
on topics of your choice. These are possible topics in which
disagreements
are based on different ideological approaches or priorities given to
values.
You are not limited to these topics. The groups will be formed
on the basis of interest in a particular topic.
Debate Guidelines
Here are some guidelines for the upcoming, in-class debates. Again, nothing has to be handed in. My primary objective for having class debates is to think of them as a way of presenting the information about a particular policy dispute to the class, in a way that will stimulate class discussion and show the differences between ideologies when it comes to positions on policy.
a.) The basic format will involve roughly half of the group arguing the pro position and the other half of the group arguing the con position on a given topic. I realize (and I hope the class does) that many people will be arguing from positions that they themselves may not agree with personally. This should prevent any questions from getting personal.
b.) One of the "sides" will go first, with each person presenting one point of the argument. No one should have to speak longer than 1-2 minutes. Then, the members of the other "side" will present. You don't need to memorize your presentation. Feel free to read it if you like.
c.) After both sides present the basics of their argument, we'll open it up to the class. At this point, each person in the debate group is welcome to respond to any specific point that the other side has brought up, too. The point is to have a broadly based class discussion, led by ppl that have done some research into the specifics of each issue.
d.) When the discussion comes to an end, we'll move on to the next topic.
e.) If anyone is having trouble finding any info, or is unsure about how to structure the debate, please feel free to email me.
I will be grading in two ways for the debates. I will assign a group grade, based upon the coverage of the relevant points.(This grade is worth roughly 75% of your debate grade). I will also assign an individual grade, based upon participation, to single out those people that participate actively, both in the presentation and in the debate segments. (This grade is worth 25% of your composite grade).Some potential topics might be:
Should there be gun control regulation?
Should we roll back environmental regulation in favor of allowing private property owners to have more discretion or what uses they make of their land?
Should marijuana be legalized?
Should we regulate the internet to prevent access to pornographic sites?
Should we reinstate school prayer?
Is global free trade a good idea or should we implement protectionism to protect American jobs?
Should legalized gambling be outlawed?
Should we implement "hate crimes" legislation?
Should the United States institute a "living wage"?
Should the United States welcome more refugees from other nations based on humanitarian reasons?
Should the United States switch its tax policy to a "flat tax"? Or, should tax policy become more progressive?
Should we provide universal health care based on the Canadian model? Why or why not?
Should we implement campaign finance reform? What type?
Should the federal government support faith-based initiatives?
Is
domestic anti-terrorism legislation necessary for national security
or will it lead to an unnecessary loss of individual liberty?
Should
we implement a national service initiative?
Should we support same-sex marriages if people want them or should we restrict marriage to a man and a woman?
Should the United States military be allowed to not observe the Geneva
conventions in their interrogation of suspected terrorists?