Language & Culture
Fall 2016
Debate Topic---Final "exam"
“The National Language Question”
Due: Position Paper and Presentation 12/8 (last day)
You have two responsibilities in this assignment (1) to complete your own position paper. (due December 15-email or office) (2) to help construct and present your position with your team.
I will give each team time to meet in class to discuss their topic and construct their declamation. Each team will be responsible for supplementing materials distributed in class to strengthen their position. During the declamation, each team will be allowed a maximum of 10 minutes to present their position. Then each team will be allowed two 5 minute rebuttals. Winning teams will receive wonderful prizes!!! Although all team members are not responsible for presenting in class, each of you must participate in the actual declamation once during the course of the semester. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade for the debate section of the course.
You may each choose your position on a debate ONCE during the course of the semester. Otherwise, positions will be assigned randomly. Please carefully follow the instructions for writing a position paper when completing this assignment.
Topic: Should there be a constitutional amendment to make English the national language of the United States?
Answers should focus on the underlying cultural beliefs, values and practices which frame this debate.
Please refer to the “Writing a Position Paper/Debate” and general writing rubric as guidelines for your written and oral presentations.
DEBATE FORMAT
Introductions &
Coin Toss 5 Minutes
Opening Remarks Team A 10 minutes
Opening Remarks Team B 10 minutes
Discussion 5 minutes
Rebuttal Team A 3 minutes
Rebuttal Team B 3 minutes
Discussion 5 minutes
Rebuttal Team A 3 minutes
Rebuttal Team B 3 minutes
Discussion 5 minutes
Rebuttal Team A 3 minutes
Rebuttal Team B 3 minutes
Judges Question posed 1 2 minutes
Discussion 3 minutes
Answer Team A 3 minutes
Answer Team B 3 minutes
Judges Question posed 2 2 minutes
Discussion 3 minutes
Answer Team A 3 minutes
Answer Team B 3 minutes
Concluding Remarks Team A 1 minutes
Concluding Remarks Team B 1 minutes
Decision By Judges!
-----------------------------
Writing a
Position Paper/Debate Preparation
We will end the term with a written and performed argumentative style called a debate. There are no correct positions in a debate, just sound arguments and strong evidence for and
against your positions. Your success in presenting a position lies on how PERSUASIVE
you can be. Your position is only an OPINION, unless it is well
reasoned and supported with evidence (persuasive). Writing a
position paper is a good way to organize your thoughts and construct sound
arguments when structuring a debate. Here is your chance to show politicians how a debate should be contested.
Steps:
1. Consider
the question to be debated. Make sure that you understand the issues
surrounding the debate, as they have been discussed in class. If you do not,
ask for clarification.
2. List
the major points that will be used in support of your position.
These may be gathered from class, assigned readings, Internet and other current
event resources, etc.
3. Structure
a coherent argument for your position based on these major points. Support your
points with illustrations (evidence).
4. List
the major arguments against your position. Again, these may be
gathered from class, assigned readings, Internet and other current event
resources, etc.
5. Refute
these arguments using supporting illustration.
6. Summarize
and make concluding remarks (a catchy and persuasive final note is often
effective here).
7. Be
prepared to argue your position verbally in class.
Position papers should be 3-5 pages in length,
typed
(double spaced), and handed in at the conclusion of the semester (December 15). Those arguing
for the same position may (should) work together to structure sound strong and
persuasive positions.
All position papers however, must be written
individually. Failure to write your own position paper will be evaluated as
plagiarism, and result in a failing grade. So, talk together, write alone.
_______________________________________
getting you started (plus Lippi-Green)
- Reading: (to get you started)
- http://www.governing.com/news/headlines/the-english-only-debate-heats-up-again.html
- http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/english-only.aspx
- http://www.languagepolicy.net/archives/langleg.htm
- http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_lang.html
- http://www.civilrights.org/monitor/vol8_no4/art3.html
- http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1997/04/should-english-be-the-law/376825/
