Great Debates Institute: For the Sake of Argument
Program Details
- Open to students currently enrolled in Grades 9-12
- June 17-July 1, 2007
- $2,950 (Airfare and books not included)
- Airport: Raleigh-Durham International (RDU)
What participants are saying…
“I would do anything to have another experience like this!”—Rohan, 2005 participant
Are you looking for a rigorous, thought-provoking summer experience? Do you enjoy the logic of a formal argument? When evaluating your position on an important issue, do you examine every aspect? Discover your debate skills alongside other gifted scholars at the Duke University TIP Great Debates Institute.
The Site
Duke University's beautiful East Campus is the venue where intellectually spirited students begin their journey toward a deeper understanding of society’s challenging and sometimes controversial issues. Located in the celebrated Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, home of the Research Triangle Park and many centers of higher learning, Duke University is at the heart of an academically and intellectually charged environment. Students in the Great Debates Institute will live on the main quad of Duke University’s East Campus and will travel each day to Duke's Gothic-inspired West Campus to attend class. The William R. Perkins Library, a top ten private university library, will be used as the primary research site for this course. A campus map can be found here. » 
The Course
Duke TIP’s mission for the Great Debates Institute is to encourage students to develop their distinctive skills in the areas of public speaking and debate. Students will study the art of debate, including exploring its history, purpose, rules, and guidelines. Participants in this program will examine the role of debate in our modern world, as well as generate a catalog of contemporary issues in need of debate. The structure of formal Lincoln Douglas debate and variations will be studied, including the synergy and dynamic of the interaction between opponents. Students will also study the art of logic and logical flaws in order to better understand how debates are won and lost. The role of debate in American politics will be examined for its efficacy in educating the public or in offering new solutions, and the art of compromise will also be investigated. Several famous debates will be analyzed for substance and skill, and students will critique the responses and offer their own.
Debate in Action
Throughout the two weeks at Duke University, each student will have the opportunity to develop his or her personal forensic skills. Classroom activities, discussions, and course readings will allow each student to identify those qualities that shape an expert debater. With each activity, students will be challenged to seek new solutions and compromises. Using the knowledge gained throughout the program, the course will culminate with student debates on selected topics.