Debate

This semester course is designed to give students elementary experience in debate theory. Both two-team competitive debate format will be examined. Students will also be expected to develop a case/plan constructive speech and help develop team evidence files through research. Emerging from this class, students will have gained skills that could lend themselves to debate competitions.

For all classes you will need:

Ø Three ring binder

Ø NCC Student Planners at all times

Classroom Expectations:

Ø Respect yourself and others at all times.

Ø Listen while others are speaking.

Ø Follow directions-- the first time.

Ø Come to class prepared (Binders, book, notebook paper, etc.).

Ø Never be afraid to ask questions!

Ø Participate! Participate! Participate!

Policies:

Ø Assignments will only receive full-credit when handed in the day they are due. Late work will be accepted but the grade will be reduced by half each day it is late!

Ø Missed assignments are the responsibility of the student to make-up and will be due the day after they return. Also, the student is responsible for missed notes, readings, etc. Please arrange to meet with me before or after class/school to get missing assignments.

Ø Assignments due on the day a student is absent are due the day he/she returns.

Ø All assignments must be legible! If I cannot read it, I will not grade it!

Ø All formal papers, articles, speeches, etc. MUST be typed!

Ø Tests/quizzes missed due to an excused absence must be made up within two days of the absence. Tests, quizzes and assignments missed due to an unexcused absence will result in a zero.

Ø Individual responsibility is key in my classroom! You are responsible for your actions!

Ø Class participation is part of your grade! These classes are centered around presenting your ideas and opinions to others and what you have to say is important!

Ø All of these classes offer everyone the opportunity to share and learn from one another so please respect each other even if ideas, opinions, or attitudes are new to you or different from your own. Inappropriate remarks, put-downs, cruel jokes or other similar behaviors will not be tolerated.

Ø Due to our small classroom, NO BOOKBAGS are allowed in the room! There is space outside in the hall to leave them or keep them in your lockers.

Ø Passes will not be issued to go to your lockers for books, assignments, etc., so please come prepared!

Ø Extra credit will be offered throughout the semester at my discretion-- DO NOT wait until grades are about to come out and panic! Take advantage of the opportunities when they are offered! Your grade should not depend on those points!

Ø Grades are based on the accumulated points of all assignments, with any extra credit added to the cumulative score. All work is assigned point value as determined by importance. Grading scale/system follows the NCC Handbook.

Ø Plagiarism WILL NOT BE TOLERATED under ANY circumstances! When in doubt always cite your sources and give credit where credit is due!!

~ Please feel free to speak with me at any time if you have concerns, questions, ideas, difficulties etc. The best way to tackle potential problems is through open communication!