LEN_30102_TA - Introduction to Debating

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.