Debating is a characteristic feature of higher education in English-speaking countries; where students develop their critical thinking; persuasive; and public speaking skills in university debating societies such as the famous Oxford Union. Students value the transferable skills regular debating enables them to develop; and the opportunity it gives them to reflect on important contemporary issues and problems. It has become an increasingly popular and widespread activity in universities around the world; culminating in an annual world championship attended by hundreds of teams. In France the French Debating Association (FDA) also has an annual tournament in which a team from Ensta participates. Members of that team have their own dedicated debating class. This class; by contrast; is for students wishing to practise debating and develop the associated skills without taking part in the FDA tournament. In this class; students working in teams will prepare and deliver speeches proposing or opposing a controversial proposition (a 'motion') which they’ve researched in advance or discovered on the day of the class. The motion may be on a topical issue; or some more philosophical question; and may be deadly serious or wacky and light-hearted. With each successive class; students will sharpen the spontaneity and persuasive force of their spoken discourse; gaining confidence speaking in public. The research they undertake will help them broaden their lexical resources. Students will receive guidance in rhetoric and argumentation; and intermittently take part in other communicative activities. They will also hopefully enjoy themselves.
This course provides a basic understanding of geopolitics relating to the analysis of political processes in geographical contexts. It offers an introduction to key concepts (i.e. sovereignty; scale; agents; codes; boundaries); deals with the significant historical transformations geopolitics has undergone; and applies this knowledge to a series of case studies in military; economic; cultural; technological and societal arenas.
This course is for students who already function at a high level of English language proficiency and want to continue working on developing those skills with an explicit focus on language.
This course is an opportunity to explore some of the big questions shaping our world today; from climate change and healthcare breakthroughs to the ethical dilemmas behind new technologies. Using real-world articles; videos; and other materials in English; we’ll dive into these topics together through lively discussions; debates; and presentations. Along the way; you’ll strengthen your language skills; learn to express your ideas more clearly; and build confidence in speaking and writing about complex issues.
