CSK 3211 COMMUNICATION FOR ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
This course seeks to acquaint the student with ways of constructing valid arguments, with
application to such communication contexts as policy making, legal decision-making,
organizational decision-making and personal inquiry. Fundamentals of argumentation are
explored, along with methods of argument construction and numerous contextual applications.
Analysis of the problems inherent in arguing and debating; the development of analytical tools
for argument; practice in the application and preparation of analysis through debating. Hours are
arranged for student evaluation and practice.
Course Objectives
 To equip students with debating skills
 To improve critical thinking skills of students
 To improve the communication competence of students
Course Content
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Introductions
Overview of Debating: Affirmative, Negative, Terminology
Debating the Affirmative
Debating the Negative
Writing Propositions
Overview of First Affirmative Constructive Speeches
Formation of Debate Teams
Writing Propositions
Ethical Standards
Affirmative Constructive Speeches
Sources of Material
How to Prepare Evidence Cards and Organize Materials
Sources of Evidence
Types of Evidence
The Probative Force of Evidence
Uses of Tests of Evidence and Tests of Credible Evidence
Mechanics of ParliamentaryDebate
Formation of ParliamentaryDebate Teams
ParliamentaryDebate Times
Rebuttal&Refutation
Fallacies of Evidence
Fallacies of Pseudo-Arguments
Functions of the Judge & Judging Philosophies
Functions of a Ballot & Completing a Debate Ballot
How to Prepare and Use a Flow Sheet
Rebuttal and Refutation
Mechanics of Cross ExaminationDebate
Formation of Cross Examination Debate Teams
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Conduct effective debates
2. Use communication as a tool to enhance their debating skills
3. Participate in debates and contribute constructively to arguments
Course assessment:
Extended coursework essay}
Group presentation}
= 30%
Test}
Final Comprehensive Examination = 70%
(End of Semester)
Instruction methods:
Lectures
Case Studies
Group Discussion and Class Presentations
Activity Research Work
References:
Freeley, Argumentation and Debate: Critical Thinking for Reasoned Decision Making, 10th
edition, Wadsworth Publishing, 2003
Recommended text (s):
Balch, Robert’s Rules of Order in Brief, 1st edition, De Capo Press, 2004
Miller, Cross-X, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006
Berube, Non-Policy Debating, University Press of America, 1994