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Argumenation & Debate DVD's and Book

Argumenation & Debate DVD's and Book

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Two DVDs introduce students to the principles and reality of formal debate. These DVDs should be used in conjunction with the Argumentation & Debate book by Christy Shipe. The book offers a comprehensive explanation of how debates function and how to prepare for them. The first DVD is a 45-minute presentation by debate coach Deborah Haffey on the principles of debate theory. The second DVD is an actual debate, enhanced with commentary by Deborah Haffey. Students who want to participate in the national debate tournament sponsored by HSLDA should view these DVDs and use the companion text to prepare.

Argumentation & Debate book

Christy Shipe, experienced debater and daughter of Michael Farris, has written an 83-page text for formal debaters. The most valuable aspect of this book for homeschoolers is that Christy clearly explains how formal, cross-examination debates are structured.

She briefly covers the issue of why students should participate in debates, then quickly moves into the "meat" of debates: logic, fallacies, evidence, how to use evidence, research, and citations of sources. Students next learn how to construct and present both affirmative and negative cases; this is very thoroughly presented, dealing with timing and strategy.

Since such debates are done in teams of two, speakers must divide up responsibilities, making the best use of each one's talents. Christy suggests ways of doing this, adds tips about presentation and delivery, then concludes with practical tips on what to bring to the debate, how to use time wisely, and how judging is done. Although some logic is covered in this book, it really is specifically targeted to those participating in formal debates such as those sponsored by state homeschooling organizations and Home School Legal Defense Association.

Since national debate tournaments have become a homeschooling highlight, think about spending the school year prior to the targeted tournament developing debating skills in preparation for that tournament. I highly recommend that you also view the two DVDs.