10-12 Grade Courses (Introductory & Intermediate)
Introduction to Debate (August 8-13, Online Only)
The 10th through 12th grade introduction course at GMDI will teach high school students the backgrounds of public forum debating style.
Public Forum Debate (PFD) is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the monthly resolution topic. The clash of ideas must be communicated in a manner persuasive to the non-specialist or “citizen judge”, i.e. a member of the American jury.
The debate should:
*Display solid logic, lucid reasoning, and depth of analysis
*Utilize evidence without being driven by it
*Present a clash of ideas by countering/refuting arguments of the opposing team (rebuttal)
*Communicate ideas with clarity, organization, eloquence, and professional decorum
Public Forum debating is one of the most popular styles for high schools in the DMV area. It also is a great way to start learning about debate if you decide later to transition to other formats.
Intermediate Debate (June 27-July 2, Online Ony)
The 10th through 12th grade intermediate option will advance skills that students have previously developed.
Classes will focus on enhancing research, case construction, rebuttal, block writing, and overall vision for the debate.
Camp Evidence
Campers are provided with a starter file packet produced by the camp staff. The packet includes a starter pro and con case and important briefs for the beginning of the topic.
Campers use these cases for the debates that occur on the first several days of the camp. Students will modify these briefs for the camp tournament as they proceed throughout the week.