Argumentation & Debate Assignment Sequence

Global Politics (POLS 200) | Total Points: 30

Assignment 1: Research & Claim Development

5 Points

Objective: Develop a clear, debatable proposition supported by preliminary research.

Due Date: [Week 2]

Requirements

  • Select a debatable topic relevant to the course themes
  • Write a clear claim/proposition statement (one sentence, affirmative position)
  • Provide an annotated bibliography of 5 credible sources:
    • 3 sources supporting your claim
    • 2 sources presenting alternative perspectives
  • For each source, include:
    • Full citation (APA or MLA)
    • 2-3 sentence summary
    • Brief note on credibility/relevance

Submission Format: 2-3 pages, typed

Grading Criteria

  • Claim Quality (1 pt): Is it a normative statement (should/ought)? Is it specific enough to argue in 10 minutes? (Avoid factual or preference claims).
  • Source Diversity (2 pts): Do you have a mix of academic, reputable news, and think-tank sources? (Avoid blogs, wikis, or highly partisan screeds).
  • Annotations (2 pts): Do you clearly explain how the source supports/refutes your specific claim?

Assignment 2: Opposition Brief

5 Points

Objective: Develop deep understanding by arguing the opposing side of your claim.

Due Date: [Week 4]

Requirements

  • Argue AGAINST your original claim
  • Identify and explain 3 strongest arguments opposing your position
  • For each opposing argument:
    • Present the argument clearly and fairly
    • Cite evidence from research
    • Explain why this argument is compelling
  • Write 1-2 paragraphs reflecting on what you learned by engaging with the opposition

Submission Format: 3-4 pages, typed

Grading Criteria

  • Strength of Argument (2 pts): Did you pick the "Steel Man" arguments? (Don't pick weak arguments just to knock them down).
  • Charity of Interpretation (2 pts): Do you explain the opposing view as a reasonable person would hold it? (Avoid straw-manning).
  • Reflection (1 pt): A genuine assessment of which part of your original certainty was challenged.

Assignment 3: Argument Construction

7 Points

Objective: Build your affirmative case strengthened by understanding the opposition.

Due Date: [Week 6]

Requirements

  • Present YOUR position (original claim)
  • Develop 2 main arguments supporting your claim:
    • Each argument should have a clear warrant (reasoning)
    • Each argument should include credible evidence
    • Each argument should anticipate and address potential counterarguments
  • Include a brief section explaining how your opposition research (Assignment 2) strengthened your case
  • Conclude with 2 thoughtful questions you would ask the opposing side in a debate

Submission Format: 4-5 pages, typed

Grading Criteria

  • Structure (3 pts): Does each argument follow the Claim-Warrant-Data format? Is the logic easy to follow?
  • Evidence Integration (2 pts): Is evidence used to prove the warrant, not just purely for background?
  • Prebuttal (1 pt): Do you innoculate your audience against the strongest counter-argument?
  • Questions (1 pt): Are the questions designed to expose a contradiction or silence in the opponent's logic?

Assignment 4: Debate Outline & Note Cards

5 Points

Objective: Distill your argument into a structured outline for oral presentation.

Due Date: [Week 8]

Requirements

Part A: Formal Outline (3 points)

Create a detailed outline including:

  • Opening statement (attention-getter, claim, preview of arguments)
  • Argument 1 (claim, warrant, evidence, response to potential objection)
  • Argument 2 (claim, warrant, evidence, response to potential objection)
  • 2 questions for opposing side
  • Closing/summary statement

Part B: Note Cards (2 points)

  • Transfer outline to 3x5 index cards (or similar)
  • Maximum of 6 cards
  • Key points only - no full sentences or paragraphs
  • Must be legible and organized
  • Include source citations on cards for evidence

Submission Format: Outline: Typed, 2-3 pages. Note cards: Physical cards submitted in class.

Grading Criteria

  • Outline is complete and logically structured (2 pts)
  • Outline effectively integrates previous work (1 pt)
  • Note cards are concise and usable (2 pts)

Assignment 5: Debate Performance

8 Points

Objective: Present your argument effectively in a structured debate format.

Performance Date: [Week 10]

Format

  • Groups of 4 students (2 affirmative, 2 negative on related propositions)
  • Each student presents using ONLY their note cards (no technology)
  • STRICT RULE: If you use a laptop, phone, tablet, or any other electronic device during your debate performance, you will receive a ZERO for the ENTIRE PROJECT (all 30 points), not just the performance component.

Time limits:

  • Opening statement: 2 minutes
  • Argument 1: 3 minutes
  • Argument 2: 3 minutes
  • Questions to opposition: 2 minutes (1 minute per question)
  • Closing statement: 1 minute

Grading Criteria

Content (4 points):

  • Opening statement is clear and engaging (1 pt)
  • Arguments are well-reasoned and evidence-based (2 pts)
  • Questions to opposition are substantive and strategic (1 pt)

Delivery (4 points):

  • Maintains eye contact, speaks clearly (1 pt)
  • Uses note cards effectively (not reading verbatim) (1 pt)
  • Responds to questions/opposition thoughtfully (1 pt)
  • Professional demeanor and time management (1 pt)

Assignment Sequence Overview

Assignment Points Focus Due
1. Research & Claim 5 Topic selection, initial research Week 2
2. Opposition Brief 5 Understanding opposing arguments Week 4
3. Argument Construction 7 Building affirmative case Week 6
4. Debate Outline & Cards 5 Preparation for oral presentation Week 8
5. Debate Performance 8 Live debate delivery Week 10
TOTAL 30

Notes for Students

Building on Previous Work:

Each assignment builds on the previous one. Your research from Assignment 1 informs Assignment 2. Your opposition analysis strengthens Assignment 3. Everything culminates in Assignments 4 and 5.

Academic Integrity:

All sources must be properly cited. Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment and potential course consequences.