Debate Workshop Scheduled At WCSU

DANBURY — Experienced high school debaters and novices alike will get the chance to learn more about argument and persuasion at Western Connecticut State University this month.

The WCSU High School Debate Workshop will be Monday, July 24, through Saturday, July 29, in Warner Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White Street. The weekday sessions will be from 10 am to 3 pm, and the students will participate in a mini debate tournament before their parents and guests from 10 am to 12:30 pm on July 29. The cost is $100.

Students can enroll through the first day of the workshop, and as many as 25 young people can participate. Students do not need to have experience in debate to attend.

Former high school policy debate state champion Randall Smith, who now coaches the debate team at Joel Barlow High School, and WestConn Associate Professor of History Dr Martha May, will lead the workshop. “This will be an opportunity for students to participate in intensive and exciting sessions about debate and current events,” Dr May said. “Novice debaters will get to develop their skills, and more experienced debaters can refine their abilities. Since so much of debate centers on policy issues, students who are interested in politics, international events, or contemporary culture should have fun with this, too.”

Several WestConn professors are slated to offer their perspectives on relevant issues throughout the daily sessions. Each session will be guided by a basic question every accomplished debater encounters, such as, “Why debate? What is good debating?” and “What role does law play in debate?” In the morning, the students will listen to lectures and engage in discussions. In the afternoon, the debaters will put the lessons of the morning into action, participating in full practice rounds and critiques.

The workshop will explore policy, Lincoln-Douglas, and other forms of debate.

For more information, call Dr May at 837-8481 or the WestConn Office of University Relations at 837-8486.