The Great Debates Kinesiology Senior Seminar 2014

Each class will choose five debate topics to be presented to the two Seminar classes together. A vote
will be taken to choose the five debates for the semester. Topics must be debatable and reflect a
controversy and not simply a problem to be solved. Each class will present the pro or con side of the
debate.
There will be five person debate teams with the following roles:
1. Researcher finds pro and con information on the debate topic
2. Presentation Writer works with the researcher to prepare and write the debate teams
presentation points
3. Topic presenter reviews writers information. Presents opening arguments for the team
4. Topic questioner reviews researchers arguments. Responds to the opening arguments of the
opposition team
5. Topic concluder edits the writers paper and offers suggestions. Presents the final arguments
for the debate team
Assignments and Preparation:
Each team member will bring one article relevant to the debate topic for review and potential inclusion
in the presentation paper.
The Researcher will review the articles brought by the debate team for relevance, depth and accuracy.
Highlight the important points to be incorporated by the research writer. The Questioner will review
the opposing viewpoints with the Researcher to understand and prepare for a response to the opposing
teams opening arguments.
The Presentation Writer will consult with the Researcher and compile the research information into
bullet points and work with the presenter on the opening presentation. The writer will work with the
concluder to
Prepare a five page paper that will include
1.
2.
3.
4.

three pages of facts regarding the topic points to be presented (writer, researcher, presenter)
one page with facts pertaining to the opposition arguments (writer, Questioner)
one page with the summary arguments in favor of the teams position (concluder)
one page with the Bibliography for the paper and arguments (Researcher)

The Debate
Topic Presenter 5 minutes to present the teams stance on the debate topic
Make a compelling start with a story or a startling set of facts.
State the thesis and present three major points in support of the teams position
Provide a rationale for the debate and tell the audience why they should care about this debate.

Why does it matter to them? Why does it matter to the debate team? What are the stakes of the
debate?
Offer evidence to support your primary three points
Topic Questioner 2 minutes (anticipate the opposing teams points)
Present a counter argument to the opposing debate teams opening presentation
Pose questions about the presentation arguments
Finish with a question which the opposing presenter will be compelled to answer
Topic Concluder 3 minutes Closes the arguments for the debate team position
Reiterate the major points of the teams presentation
Offer refutations of arguments made by the opposing team
Offer a compelling conclusion by reminding the audience why the debate matters and
and is of significance to them.
Conclude with an outstanding story or compelling quote that has substance that can be related
to the debate topic.
During the debate, the team may caucus to discuss arguments of the opposition speaker and to present
points for the next speaker to include in the presentation.
Audience will take notes on the debate using a pro and con format. The audience will vote to decide
which team won the debate by presenting the best argument for its position. Audience members do
not have to agree with the pro or con side presentations. The audience is evaluating which team did
the most convincing presentation for its arguments.