Curriculum
The National Symposium for Debate emphasizes individualized attention for each student and an adaptable curriculum that accommodates each student’s unique needs. These goals are evident in our primary curricular structures:
Lab groups, where students work on research, case-writing, and drills. All labs at NSD have a lab leader to student ratio of 1:4, typically with three instructors per lab.
Practice debates, watched and constructively critiqued by a lab leader. NSD guarantees each student 14 practice debates during the two-week program.
Office hours, for students to work one-on-one with instructors of their choice. Students sign up for a time slot so that every student receives equal attention.
Argumentation clinics, where students learn refutation techniques and practice applying them to various arguments. Clinics drill students on topics such as generic argument forms, philosophical arguments, empirical arguments, applied logic, and premise-by-premise refutation.
Skill-appropriate lecture series, according to student needs and experience. By offering three separate series for skills and strategy lectures, all NSD students learn cutting edge approaches that are neither too simple nor too complex given their current knowledge.
Electives, focusing on strategy, theory, and defending and refuting philosophical ideas. Electives let students choose topics that interest and challenge them as individuals.
Demonstration debates, featuring staff and students. Students can incorporate the techniques of the most successful debaters into their own debating style.
Video analysis, displaying high-powered debate rounds from this season. Instructors use the videos as case studies, highlighting how debaters can apply strategic skills in unique ways.
