Research and Debate (Grades 9–12)
Friday 2:45–3:40
Teacher: Steven Washburn
Description:
This is an introductory course with the goal of introducing you to the techniques of debate and argument. We live in a world that is more divided than ever. How are we to engage in these conversations considering the volatile, angry, frustrated and overwhelmed situation we are in? What are we to do when even believers disagree about some of the most fundamental questions the world is facing? As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ in the public, private and digital realms God has placed us in.
This class will…
- Equip you to identify faulty arguments, fallacies and biases in whatever situation you find yourself.
- Encourage you as you develop your own ability to enter these conversations with love, mercy and respect as you gain and keep a hearing with other people made in the image of God.
- Strengthen your ability to research, listen, engage, and make your case with those with whom you may radically disagree while holding firm to the truth and reality of Scripture, both in person and in writing.
- Increase your recognition of the ways in which arguments, both others and your own, need to be more fully shaped by the Christian worldview.
- Understand the way that the world shapes the worldview and mindset of those with whom you engage (as well as your own) and how to avoid the pitfalls, misunderstandings and stalemates that can occur.
- Build courage, resilience, compassion and confidence in having tough conversations on emotionally and spiritually charged issues.
Scope: I look forward to getting to know you as individuals, as well as being given the opportunity to teach you some skills for speaking and debating through means of this class. Throughout the school year, we will have opportunities for both informal and semiformal debates both in verbal conversation and written work. Debate is a unique art that requires experience and practice to learn how to “argue with grace.” Ultimately, and most importantly, we must strive to use these skills to be God-glorifying ambassadors. We will learn debate jargon, what makes good/bad debate speeches, what fallacies are, how to spot valid evidence versus not, etc. Don’t be concerned if you don’t know those facts yet, you will learn them here, and hopefully put that knowledge to good use throughout your life.
Class Cost: $263
Books: The Art of Argument Revised Student Edition Paperback – January 1, 2022 by DA Aaron Larsen, MAT Joelle Hodge, PhD Christopher Perrin (ISBN-13:978-1600514500); End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations Paperback – June 18, 2024 by Sean McDowell, Tim Muehlhoff, Justin Brierley (Foreword) (ISBN-13: 978-1496481153)
Supplies:
- 100 Stack of 5 x 8 index cards
- Internet access for the website page: ClassicalAcademicPress/EverydayDebate
- Internet access to a gmail account for group work to meet on ZOOM and/or Google Hangouts
- Flash Drive (optional)
- Red and black pen
No Prerequisite Required
English Credit