Interactive Syllabus

DEBATING IN ENGLISH (CJVC_DE )

Teachers: Mgr. Colin Kimbrell

Office hours: Tuesdays, 16:00-16:45

Credits: 2 credits

Aims: 

• to learn how to build clear, effective and evidenced argumentation,

• to get to know main tools of persuasion,

• to develop students' negotiation skills.

The emphasis is placed on the development of students' analytical and critical thinking within discussions on a wide range of topics on current social and political events.

Teaching methods:

Dual mode: fulfillment of homework tasks posted in Interactive syllabi in IS + participation in in-class debates and discussions

Classroom: U36 at FSS

Assessment:

• Participation: 80% attendance, active participation in in-class discussions & debates

• Mini-research on a specific debating format and presentation of findings, i.e. background, procedures, and rules (could be supplemented by a video example): The presentation of findings will be done as a short report, including a link to a video example; nothing formal, but it should be comprehensive so that your classmates can easily familiarize themselves with the given debate format. If appropriate, you may suggest a particular section of the respective video to watch.

• Presentation on an academic topic of interest + leading of discussion: You will give a max. 10-minute presentation on a topic of your interest, one which has an element of controversy or is open to debate. The presentation will serve as an introduction to the topic, which will then be the subject of a debate following a particular format as selected by you. You will be involved in organizing the debate in collaboration with me.  Registration: https://doodle.com/poll/d76fa5v2hd8z62du?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link Two students per week; first come, first served.

• Giving a persuasive speech: To be given during the last two weeks of the course, max. 10 minutes. On a topic of your own choosing, which you should inform me of in advance. Registration: https://doodle.com/poll/vvtygfq38xt2ner9?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link Five students per week, first come, first served.

Teaching materials:

• Edward DE. Chazal (2012) Oxford English for Academic Purposes B2. Oxford: OUP.

• Edward DE. Chazal and S. Mccarter (2012) Oxford English for Academic Purposes C1. Oxford: OUP.

• additional materials and videos