The Great Debaters
Lessons on…
The birth of consciousness, the fight for social justice, education as the key to freedom
INTRODUCTION
The Great Debaters is an inspiring story of courage, creativity, and resolve. It features stellar performances
from Academy Award-winning actors like Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker and rising talents like
Jurnee Smollett. The Great Debaters celebrates the power of truthful words to overcome obstacles and set
people free.
Debate begins with a resolution. It starts with a point to prove. It is a form of battle, fought with words.
Denzel Washington directs The Great Debaters as a dance between opposing forces. On the affirmative side,
stand the twin pillars of justice and righteousness. The opposition is fueled by ignorance and oppression. Who
will win? The debate continues. Denzel Washington portrays Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College
in Texas. In 1935, he leads the Wiley debate team towards an undefeated season and an opportunity to
become the first black college to compete against renowned Harvard University. The Great Debaters
demonstrates the power of education and the ability of truth to unlock opportunities. It also demonstrates the
importance of mentors—teachers and parents who model maturity, confidence, and resolve. The next
generation of students desperately needs role models who will nurture and disciple them--people like
Professor Melvin Tolson. (Detweiler)
The Great Debaters: Analysis Assignment (2 grades)
Due after we finish the watching movie.
I. Throughout the movie you will see THREE COMPLETE debates. For each debate, answer the
following:
1. Resolution (the point/claim to prove).
a. Any use of pathos (emotional appeal). Remember, the writer’s/speaker’s aim should
NOT be to manipulate the reader/audience through emotions but to appeal to needs
that all humans have in common.
b. Any use of ethos (appeal to credibility).
c. Any use of logos (logical appeal). Remember, a logical appeal depends on reasoning
and evidence, appealing more to the audience’s intellect than their emotions.
2. Counterargument/s – Follows a concession (a respectful acknowledgement of an opposing
viewpoint) and strongly counters, or refutes the opposing viewpoint. (You will find this in either
one of the positions).
II. What connections do you see between the movie and MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”?
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