(Recorded Course) Debate and Argumentation with Kevin O'Brien

Learn the art of argumentation and hone your presentation skills as you get involved in the democratic debate process. Participate in a number of exercises, including a Mock Presidential Debate and Mini Debates -- and learn how to defend issues that affect our faith and culture.

How to get the most out of Debate and Argumentation with Kevin O’Brien:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

  • Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

  • Read assignments before class meetings

  • Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

  • Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total Classes: 12

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Suggested Credit: One full semester Debate, Speech, or Communications

Instructor: Kevin O’Brien

Instructor Email: kevin@classeswithkevin.com

Course Description: How can young people learn to argue reasonably for what they believe in a world that’s filled with angry arguments? In this course, students will learn the art of argumentation and “forensics” and will be challenged to hone their skills of presentation and oral communication as they participate in a number of exercises, including a Mock Presidential Debate and Mini Debates on issues that affect our faith and culture. This course is both fun and challenging!

Course Outline:

  1. Introduction - What is Debate?

  2. Critique of Famous Debates

  3. First Live Classroom Debate - Part I

  4. First Live Classroom Debate - Part II

  5. Errors of Logic and Argumentation

  6. Heresies of the Internet - Combox and Social Media Debates

  7. Second Live Classroom Debate - Part I

  8. Second Live Classroom Debate - Part II

  9. Changing Sides - Pro and Con in Debates

  10. Changing Sides - Understanding the Opposition

  11. Third Live Classroom Debate - Part I

  12. Third Live Classroom Debate - Part II

Course Materials: Handouts in the form of PDF files provided free by the instructor

Homework: Assignments and readings and debate prep. Two to three hours per week on average. Students will also be required to watch and report on all Presidential Debates.