NCFCA Policy Debate

SCHEDULE :: REGISTRATION :: TESTIMONIALS

For students who desire to cultivate reasoning and analytical ability, rhetorical skill, confidence, intellectual curiosity, and mental flexibility, there is no better option than policy debate. The policy format - which emphasizes the use and evaluation of evidence - also encourages students to develop strong research skills. Former policy debaters, now in college, say that debate was one of their most important preparations for academic excellence because it taught them to think well about any issue they encountered. Recognizing its value, many colleges give significant weight to policy debate experience when making admissions and scholarship decisions.

The 2010-2011 NCFCA resolution has been announced: "Resolved: That the United States Federal Government should significantly reform its policy toward Russia."

Policy debate centers around a contested assertion called the resolution. As an example, the 2008-2009 NCFCA resolution was, "Resolved: That the United States Federal Government should significantly change its policy toward India." The job of the affirmative team is to support the resolution by proving that it is true, while the negative side argues that the resolution is false. In the example above, the affirmative would suggest some significant change in American policy toward India, while the negative argued against the proposed change. (In a 2009 tournament that I judged, the three cases I saw dealt with piracy, missile defense, and immigration of skilled Indian workers.)

Living the Answer debate clubs compete in the National Christian Forensics & Communications Assocation (NCFCA), a homeschool league with members across the country. We will host at least one annual private practice tournament open to all members of LTA clubs, and there will also be opportunities to attend regional NCFCA tournaments and even the national competition, if a team qualifies.

Policy debate is a team competition. Students compete in teams of two which remain together throughout the year. Debaters are encouraged to register with a partner, but students will be paired into teams at the start of the year if they do not already have a partner.

Policy debate clubs will meet every other week for two hours, from late August 2009 through the end of April 2010, for a total of 16 classes. The first weeks will focus on policy debate rules and tactics and how to research and write a strong debate case. After the initial few weeks, students will debate during most of the classes and the instruction will focus on developing arguments, refining cases, and improving delivery. Specific areas that will be covered over the course of the year include,

• Understanding policy debate
• Writing a debate case
• Developing persuasive arguments
• Conducting effective research
• Refuting opposing arguments
• Performing an effective cross-examination
• Delivering an excellent speech

Tuition is $299. Suggested age range is 14-18. Experience with logic and/or critical thinking is highly recommended, as is basic writing competence. Students should be capable of self-directed work, because debate cases will be researched and written outside of class.