Based on a formal, well structured process, this 8 week course aims to learn strategic debating skills.
In every class, an Oxford Debating Society style debate will take place between 2 teams, the 'for' team and the 'against' team. Those who are observers are asked to make comments on the debate afterwards. A debate requires a combination of skills, such as logical reasoning, listening, verbal and non verbal communications and being able to think and analyze the situation quickly.
Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to conduct a British style debate. The students will acquire skills such as making a logically, well planned argument, effective presentation and communications skills, voice training and negotiation skills.
Strategic debate, British style, Formalized procedure
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The course will be conducted in one quarter. In the beginning of each class, half an hour will be spent to train the students with a particular skill. The students will spend the remaining hour to carry out a debate.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Orientation | Introduction to the course. Watching a live Oxford University' debate. A trial debate |
Class 2 | Listening Skills | Debate 1 will be carried out. eg. Education is the source of one's success |
Class 3 | Excercise to make counter arguments. | Debate 2 will be carried out |
Class 4 | Forming the main points of one's argument | Debate 3 will be carried out |
Class 5 | Negotiation Skills | Debate 4 will be carried out |
Class 6 | Voice training | Debate 5 will be carried out |
Class 7 | Improving one's style of debate | Debate 6 will be carried out |
Class 8 | Combining the skills acquired | Debate 7 will be carried out |
No text book
Reading material will be provided
Will be evaluated through the debates carried out. Gradually the topic of the debate will be more challenging.
Prior knowledge of economics or management is not required. The maximum class size will be 20.
The course is given in English. Active participation is encouraged