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Debate


Date
July 17 - August 01
Deadline of Application
July 07

Language
English
Target group
BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD of any major

Credits
5 ECTS
Course fee
1050 EURO
  • Study Program
  • Schedule
  • Social Program
  • Fees and Payment
  • How to Apply
  • Contact Us
Organizing unit
International Centre of the University of Pécs
Course Location
University of Pécs, Hungary
Study Program

You can download the syllabus by clicking here

Below proposal outlines some of the benefits of debate as an educational method that
enhances students’ critical thinking and argumentation skills. Debate is a formal
method of interactive and representational argument. With its focus on logical
consistency, factual accuracy, originality of arguments and to some degree of emotional
appeal to the audience, debating develops the art of persuasion. It also expands our
understanding of different dilemmas and controversies in our society and gives us a
way of resolving our misunderstandings and conflicts in a peaceful manner.

Debate is known to…
● develop critical thinking and analysis;
● sharpen research skills;
● improve argumentation skills;
● help debaters present arguments persuasively;
● enhance public speaking skills;
● give debaters confidence to speak in front of a room full of people;
● improve students’ knowledge on general and specific current affairs and
social issues topics;
● give students the vision and understanding that there are two sides to
most arguments;
● teach students respect for others, to let them have their say; teach
students to structure and order their thoughts, and identify, introduce,
develop and summarize key points;
● teach students the flexibility to reach quickly to new ideas, critical
questions, and to remain unflustered in a crisis…”
(Courtesy of the English Speaking Union, www.esu.org)


Debate is also a great tool for non-native English language speakers, as it gives them an
opportunity to practice their English, improve their vocabulary and verbal
communication skills. A university with a debating society gains an active student body
and it adequately prepares its students for the challenges of today’s demanding labor
market and the complexity of the society we live in. Finally, debate fosters active and
informed citizenry through promotion of deliberative and participatory democratic
values which are based on anti-discrimination, tolerance and dialogue.


Introduction to Argumentation, Rhetoric & Debate: A Course in the Art of Persuasion
This course will provide students with introduction to argumentation theory, rhetoric,
and with practical skills-building exercises in debate and public speaking. All of the
theories discussed in the course will be connected to present-day issues, as well as to
students’ personal research interests. Furthermore, through weekly assignments, the
students will be required to connect the theory and practical exercises to their field of
study i.e. major, thus building on their understanding and knowledge of argumentation,
communication and debates in that particular discipline and/or thematic area. As a
practical course that aims to enhance students’ critical thinking, active listening,
argumentation and presentation skills, this highly interactive training program
anticipates the following learning outcomes:
✔ students gain a general understanding of argumentation theory and rhetoric;
✔ they are able to build arguments using reason and evidence;
✔ they recognize fallacious reasoning and are able to respond to it critically;
✔ students learn how to debate and to engage persuasively through
argumentation;
✔ students are able to evaluate debates and also self-reflect on their own
performance;
✔ students understand the basics of policy debate;
✔ students are able to use their argumentation, debate and persuasion skills to
advocate for an issue of common/public concern;
✔ students are able to effectively persuade and communicate with an audience
thoughtfully, with a minimum of anxiety.

The Debate Academy will be led by internationally renowned debate experts Dr. Maja Nenadovic and Tvrtko Noa Pater.

Program schedule

As part of the program, you will have the chance to visit the most remarkable touristic and historic sights of Pécs accompanied by a tour guide, such as the Cathedral, the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim.

The region around Pécs is also famous for its thermal baths and lakes. During the program, you will be able to visit the beautiful Villány and Siklós Castle, and go kayaking on Lake Orfű.

Program fee: 1050 EUR 

Payment deadline: June 30, 2024

You can make your payment through our online application platform (apply.pte.hu) by 30 June 2024

After you have paid the entire sum of the program fee, you will receive your Letter of Acceptance. The Letter of Acceptance will be needed for your visa application, if a visa is required to enter Hungary from your country. (Please visit the website of an Embassy or Consulate of Hungary in your country to get informed whether you will need a visa or not)

The program fee covers: cost of instruction, accommodation, lunch on teaching days, 4 dinners and social programs.

After the official confirmation of your application, we will send you the details of the online payment.

Please click on the following link to apply: APPLY HERE

 

You will need the following documents for a valid application:

  • Verification of Enrollment*
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Copy of ID card or passport

*The verification of enrollment document is an official document provided by your home university, stating that you are a currently enrolled student. Typically you can ask your international coordinator how you can obtain it.

English language requirements:

Accepted language testMinimum result
TOEFL (iBT internet - based)72 points
IELTS (Overall Band Score)5.5
Duolingo English Test105 points
Cambridge ESOLB2 level
TELCB2 level
ECLB2 level
Oxford Online Placement Test70 points

You do not have to submit an official English test result if one of the following criteria applies to you:

  • You have a major/minor in English, i.e. the English language is the field of study (studies in English linguistics or literature)
  • You have continued your high school or undergraduate studies in the English language
  • You are a native English-speaking applicant (a copy of your passport for proof)

You will get an official confirmation that we have received your application within one week after submitting it.

Please click on the following link to apply: https://apply.pte.hu/en_GB/courses/course/545-debate-academy-summer-school-2024

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