UNST 126K

Spring 2015
FINAL PROJECT:
DEBATE
For your final assignment of the spring term, you will work in teams to
prepare a public debate on issues related to our study of food and
sustainability. This will give you an opportunity to develop your skills in
research, argumentation, oral presentation, collaboration, and thinking on
your feet, all of which we have been working on throughout the year.
We will follow a modified Karl Popper debate structure: two teams of 3-4
members apiece will each take the pro or affirmative side and the con
or negative side of a given proposition and will take turns presenting their
teams case and cross-examining the opposition. The pro side goes first.
Each speaker will present for 5-6 minutes, with approximately 3 minutes for
cross-examination after each speaker. Each speaker must cross examine one
opposing speaker, if numbers permit. A period of question and answer will
follow, in which members of the floor may cross-examine team members, and
then a vote to determine the winner. I will serve as moderator for each
debate.
A list of propositions follows. You have a week to sign up for one of the
propositions, after which I will randomly assign you to a pro or con side.
Your team will need to work together to undertake research, gather evidence,
plan a rhetorical approach, assign speaking order, and prepare for crossexamination. A successful debate team will research the opposing side as
thoroughly as their own sides case in order to anticipate counterarguments
and develop oppositional tactics. Each team member will write their own
speech (approximately 3 pages, double spaced) and work to memorize the
speech as carefully as possible (you may use note cards, but may not read
your speech verbatim), and should also prepare for impromptu crossexamination and rebuttals.
You will be evaluated on the following:
-

your written speech (quality of argument, use of evidence, creativity

and rhetorical effectiveness)
your oral presentation (confidence, poise, smooth delivery,
enthusiasm)
your performance under cross-examination
your cross-examination of other team members
the overall performance of your team.

Each team member will receive an individual grade, but your assessment will
take into consideration your teams performance as a whole.

Sign up for one of the following debate topics on the link provided at the class
D2L site:
Propositions
1. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a valuable solution to world
hunger.
2. Portland State should ban sales of soda on campus.
3. The US government should stop subsidizing farmers.
4. Promoting vegetarianism is the best way to ensure a healthier planet.