Advanced debating

For students who have completed ‘Debating: Presenting your Argument’ or who already have experience of debating. Hone your skills in reasoning & evidence, organisation & prioritisation, expression & delivery and develop to a whole new level on this course uniquely tutored by a panel of international debate experts.

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Key course information

Dates
12/01/12 - 29/03/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
12 weeks

Time
19:30 - 21:30

Fees
Full fee: £203^NC

Venue
FRA - Fashion Retail Academy

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Course code
DV023

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course improves your speaking and listening skills in a full range of social and work situations by using the principles of a formal ‘parliamentary’ debate. The taught model for conducting an argument ensures that equal weight is given to all participants, and formalises important guidelines for interpersonal communications which often remain as ‘unwritten rules’ in other forms of speaking.

Leading on from the introductory course 'Debating: presenting your argument', this takes a highly practical approach to further developing your skills as a debater and communicator. You will take part in a number of debates and received detailed feedback. Some aspects of theory underlying advanced debating will also be examined.

What topics will we cover?

Continuing from the work covered in 'Debating: presenting your argument' (but also accessible to those who haven’t completed that course but who are confident speakers already), some of the topics covered on the class will include:
- Reasoning and evidence: a range of tactics and strategies to examine flaws in your opponents’ reasoning, as will the best ways to construct your own watertight case. We will also refer to some of the most common ‘logical fallacies’. In-depth discussion and analysis of appropriate and inappropriate ways to use statistics will be examined, as well as arguments from common sense and anecdotal evidence.
- Organisation and prioritisation: how to avoid repetition and duplication of points within the team, while also ensuring that your key messages are delivered clearly at various points in your argument.
- Listening and response: you will be challenged with particularly hard ‘points of information’ and arguments to rebut, and will work together to devise innovative responses.
- Expression and delivery: highly practical (and amusing!) sessions will work on all aspects of your voice (tone, pace, dynamics, different emotional states etc.) and body language.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Communicate effectively by using a wide variety of practical and theoretical concepts relating to:
- reasoning
- evidence
- organisation
- prioritisation
- listening
- response
- expression and delivery.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Students should be confident speakers of English with some knowledge of topical issues and current affairs. Completion of the introductory course Debating: presenting your argument is useful or have the relevant experience in debating.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course is taught almost entirely through participation in debates of various sizes. The primary emphasis is on practice rather than theory, and a minimum of written handouts are used.

Various games and workshop exercises are used to prepare you for the debates, which are based on the tried-and-tested model of a ‘parliamentary debate’ to ensure that there is a solid structure for all speaking activity and to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak.

You will be required to spend time outside the class undertaking some research and preparing for debates.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.