Competitive Speech and Debate Syllabus
Ms. Richards/Ms. Torres
Room 1608
erichards@lcisd.org
832-223-4292
General Course Description
Competitive Speech and Debate begins with a basic overview of the events for
competition, those that are individual and debate related. The aspects of logical reasoning
and argumentation are studied as well as the basics of good communication. Students are
to research and present arguments on current issues, learn case construction, refutation,
and cross-examination techniques. They will also learn how to make and use visual aides,
how to write an effective speech, and develop interpretation skills. These studies will lead
to participation in tournaments around the state throughout the school year.
Goals
The 3 goals that we will use throughout the year to focus our efforts and attention on our
team’s competitive success are:
1. To pursue EXCELLENCE in debate/ speech preparation and competition
2. To enjoy LEARNING as a team
3. To enhance our COMMUNICATION skills through dialogue and debate
Tournament Participation
Competitive Speech class gives students the opportunity to travel to other schools around
the state and participate in debate and individual tournament events. Participation in
tournaments is a requirement of this course. Students may not miss a tournament
unless a valid reason is presented and prearranged. If you have a conflict due to another
sport, we will work something out. Demerits will be issued, grades, and drop fees will
be deducted for each unexcused tournament absence.
Attendance and participation at our host tournament is required.
Supplies and Costs
Each student is required to have a binder (debate), a timer, and professional clothing for
tournaments (see handbook). Other supplies may be needed for specific events, such as
binders, posters, etc. Each participant is required to pay a $150 competition contribution
fees in order to offset some of the cost for attending tournaments.
We want everybody to attend as many tournaments as possible, so if there are any
problems with the financial aspects of traveling, please speak with Ms. Richards or Ms.
Torres privately and it will be arranged so that all students will be able to attend.
Tournament Dress Code
Part of competitive speech and debate is learning not only how to speak and
communicate in the business world but how to present oneself in other respects such as
dress. For this reason, during tournaments students are to wear appropriate business
attire. Boys should wear nice slacks, collared shirts, ties, or suits. Girls may wear knee
length (or longer) skirts, nice slacks, blouses, or power suits. Semi-formal footwear is
required. No denim, sneakers, flip-flops, sweatshirts, hoods, or mini-skirts may be worn.
DO NOT show your midriff – if you do, you will be asked to change. You should either
wear comfortable footwear or bring tennis shoes to change into (or both) as tournaments
are long.
In-Class Expectations
Students are expected to be self-motivated and driven. The Speech & Debate classroom is
unlike a typical classroom – assignments are not regularly given and the students will be
held accountable for their own progress. Depending on which events students choose to
compete in, they will be assigned to an in-class group, led by a senior member of the
team.
My primary expectation for students is to be prepared to learn and to contribute to your
teammates learning. This classroom is where the ideas and practices for success at
tournaments occur and any behavior that impedes the pursuit of excellence in debate will
not be tolerated.
1. Be respectful – The very nature of debate requires that all students feel comfortable
sharing their opinions, experiences, and beliefs when discussing strategy, controversial
issues, and teamwork. Debaters should actively promote their teammates’ participation
in class and success at tournaments. While respect is a general attitude that guides an
individual’s choices, I will note several specific expectations:
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Respect for others – Profane, racist, sexist, and homophobic language will not be
tolerated at any time. Students should refrain from arrogant, demeaning, or selfish
behavior.
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Respect for class discussions – much of our classroom activity is based on
productive group discussions. The collective understanding of arguments,
strategies, and assignments is essential for tournament success and can only occur
when all members participate. Students should refrain from side-conversations,
cross-talking, and inattention (even if you’re talking about debate) to respect the
right of all students to learn.
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Respect for the classroom – The debate room is a great space for students to work
in throughout the school day, but it is also Ms. Richards’ office. Students should
clean up after themselves and push in their chairs prior to leaving the classroom.
If you borrow supplies from Ms. Richards put them back where they came from.
Finally, personal items should only be left in the room for the day that you need
them stored.
2. Be prepared for learning– Students should come to class with materials, assignments, and
attitudes necessary for the day’s activities. It is a privilege to be able to take a debate elective
and students should maximize their use of class time by always taking notes, actively
listening, and critically thinking.
3. Be responsible – As a debater you will have to juggle many balls between your academic,
personal, and debate obligations. You must manage your time wisely and make choices that
will help you accomplish your goals in all areas of your life. Be honest with yourself, your
parents, your teammates, and your teachers about your need by taking responsibility for these
choices. Plan ahead, communicate early and often, and behave in a way that helps others
build trust in your character and commitment.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICIES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED! Cell
phones, mp3 players, cameras, etc. are not permitted in instructional areas. The first time a
student is caught with an electronic device a warning will be given and after that, it will be
collected and kept at the teacher’s desk, and released to the student with a second warning
at the end of class. The third offense will result in the device being handed over to the
proper assistant principal. Students who refuse to give up their device will be removed
from class and given a ‘zero’ for any work assigned that day.
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Assignments and Grading
It is strongly suggested that you keep a journal in the form of a composition notebook.
In this journal you will record your progress throughout the year. The work you do,
problems you encounter, your thoughts and feelings, ballot summaries, goals and
progress towards them, and coaching sessions will all be contained in your journal.
Each competitor will be required to attend practice before each tournament attending.
During coaching sessions, comments and critiques will be written in your journal
You are to write an evaluation of your performance after each tournament, for each event
you competed in. After you have received your ballots, you are to write a ballot summary
(in your journal). These should be short- one-half to one page. Your journal will
occasionally be collected. It is a requirement that you to bring it to class each day, or leave
it in the room.
You will be graded on tournament attendance and preparedness, journals, number of
events you choose, coaching sessions, and general attitude. Your final grade will be
determined in a conference with you and the head coach. Your folder and journal will be
perused and discussed.
Grades will be distributed in the following 3 categories:
- Daily grades 40% (class notes, practice flows, current events talks, character analysis,
piece selection)
- Major grades 50% (practice debates, research assignments, case writing, practice times)
- Participation grade 10 % (students who receive a 100 in this category will demonstrate
the following behaviors: positively contribute to class discussions and provide
constructive feedback to team members; never delay classroom activities due to lack of
preparation, tardiness, or misbehavior; never be negative, demeaning, or disrespectful to
any team member; always clean up after themselves.
Researching- Debate
You will need to turn in 15 articles per week for our extemp files. They must placed in a
individual named file via Dropbox. You will receive class time during warm up to search
for your articles. They must be formatted correctly in order to count towards your grade.
Events
Each competitor must be prepared to compete in:
Partner and individual event (Speech)
Lincoln Douglas and extemp (novice debate)
Lincoln Douglas/ Public Forum and/ or extemp (varsity debate)
Individual Events:
*DuoInterpretation (2 people)
*Dramatic Interpretation
*Duet Interpretation (2 people)
*Dramatic Interpretation
*Extemporaneous (US & Foreign)
*Humorous Interpretation
Impromptu
*Oratory
Poetry
Prose
Debate Events:
*Public Forum (team)
*Lincoln-Douglas (1 person)
* Cross Examination (team)
The Basic Rules
Tournament Rules:
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When leaving the campus, you need to inform the coach and NEVER go
anywhere without a teammate (use the buddy system).
Skipping any of your rounds of competition at the tournament is not permitted
and will have consequences. Go to your rounds!
Other teams, coaches, and competitors, as well as the facilities, are to be
treated with the utmost respect at all times.
Our team will only demonstrate good behavior, politeness, and
professionalism. No talking bad about other competitors, no matter how much
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they annoyed you during a round (at least not in front of ANYONE)!
There will be no smoking of any kind, drugs, alcohol, promiscuity,
rudeness, or any other kind of illegal behavior!
ALL school rules are in effect at all times.
You must attend all tournaments you are signed up for. If for some reason you
cannot attend (family emergency, etc) you will be expected to call ASAP. Not
doing so will result in the lowering of your grade and/or removal from the
team.
If you are not on the bus EARLY or ON TIME, you will be left behind.
The GRHS Speech and Debate Handbook stands as a source for all policies
and procedures. Any questions that haven’t been mentioned on the
syllabus, please refer to the handbook. The handbook will be active for the
entire school year.