Debate & Forensics Classes
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Courses
- 1501-Speech Communication I (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) Speech Communication I is designed to improve the interpersonal skills in real-world communication situations. This class develops the practical skills of communicating in personal relationships, interviewing, job-required speaking and group interaction. The class also challenges students to become more effective speakers and listeners in a variety of communication tasks.
- 1503-Speech Communication II (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) Speech Communication II is designed for the student who wishes to be competent in areas of speaking that exceed daily communication tasks. These competencies include the skills necessary to prepare for college or leadership-related responsibilities. This class develops the student�s ability in organizing and expressing ideas in presentational speaking situations, in leadership roles and in the dynamics of group interaction. Scholarship opportunities in community-provided speaking contests are offered.
- 1521-Debate I (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Debate I is an introductory course to develop critical thinking, teach structured argumentation and introduce basic library research skills. Students practice written communication of the issues introduced and perform oral communication of the events introduced. Participation in interscholastic debate activities is required.
- 1523-Advanced Debate II (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) Advanced Debate II is designed to develop further critical thinking, teach persuasive argumentation and introduce computerized library research skills. Students will practice written and oral communication of current national debate topics. Emphasis will be on improved writing skills and enhanced performance skills. Participation in interscholastic debate activities is required.
- 1525-Advanced Debate III (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, weighted) Advanced Debate III is designed as a complete study of the national debate topics. Higher-level reasoning skills, critical thinking, basic theories of argumentation, and university-based library research are required. Emphasis will be on oral presentational skills in a minimum of two events. Semester evaluation of advanced-level research and theory proficiency is required. Participation in interscholastic debate activities is required on a regular basis. Students (twelfth grade only) enrolled for both semesters in Debate III are eligible to participate in the college credit course, Argumentation 212. UMKC fees are required for students enrolled for three hours of college credit.
- 1527-Advanced Debate IV, Argumentation 212 (1 unit, Gr. 12, weighted) Advanced Debate IV is a complete study of national debate topics and requires interscholastic performance in at least three competitive events. The class requires semester evaluations of proficiency in advanced theory and oral presentations, peer coaching of Level I and II students, and supervisory positions in the tournament hosted by the school. Participation in interscholastic competition is required. Students enrolled for both semesters in Advanced Debate IV are eligible to participate in the college credit course, Argumentation 212. UMKC fees are required for students enrolled for three hours of college credit.
- 1505-Competitive Drama I (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Competitive Drama I is a class designed for the student who wants to improve skills in acting and performance. Activities in humorous and dramatic interpretation, prose and poetry reading and duet acting allow individuals to refine acting skills and techniques. Participation in interscholastic forensics activities is required.
- 1509-Competitive Drama II, III, IV (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) These classes are designed to refine the student's area of drama specialization begun in Competitive Drama I. Areas of specialization are listed in the explanation of the introductory course in Competitive Drama. Competitive Drama II, III, IV can be taken during the student's sophomore, junior and senior years.