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.