Oxford-Style Debates

We will be having a series of Oxford-style debates, similar in nature to those produced on “Intelligence Squared” (see intelligencesquaredus.org)

Each debate will have a motion, which is simply a statement, such as “The more developed society becomes, the less religious it will become.”

The debates will allow students to synthesis the material that we cover, do additional research (i.e. sources/papers outside this course), and present an opportunity to actively discuss topics in class.

Groupings

There are three groups in the debate. Students will be randomly assigned to each.

• A panel arguing in favor of the motion

• A panel arguing against the motion

• An audience will evaluate the merits of the arguments

Structure of Debate

The debates will be structured as follows:

• A brief introduction of the motion and pre-debate vote on the motion (i.e. Are you in favor of the motion? Are you against the motion? Are you undecided?)

• Round 1: Prepared Remarks (uninterrupted) are made by each side. Budget about 90 seconds per speaker.

• Round 2: Question and Response: Audience members will pose questions. A post-debate vote will proceed after this round

• Round 3: Panels will propose a new motion that they believe will have the most support amongst everyone (panelists + audience).

Panels will be formed randomly, so there is the possibility that you might be arguing for a motion that you do not necessarily agree with (and vice-versa).

Audience members will be randomly chosen to either ask questions in Round 2 OR share their views after Round 3. They will be asked: -What was your opinion before the debate? -What is your opinion now? Why did it(not) change?

The Debates

Debate 1 (Secularization) on Oct 6: Greater development and prosperity will make religion irrelevant.

Debate 2 (Religion and Welfare) on Oct 27: As a society, we should encourage religious participation because it benefits us all.

Debate 3 (Norms: Religion and Economics) on Nov 17: Economics plays a more important role than religion in shaping society.

How to Prepare

Panelists

Each panel should meet in a group to strategize how they want to prepare. Here are some suggestions:

  • Review the papers discussed in class.
  • Each panelist will select a single paper either from the debate folder and/or studies that you identify as being relevant for your argument.
  • Need to find some studies? Google Scholar is a good first start. Also see Ryan Clement’s guide
  • Share studies with the other panel. This will generally be required 3 days before the scheduled debate.
  • Develop an argument based on the studies. Be sure to cite the studies they are used in the debate. Outline the major points you want to make and decide who will make each argument.
  • Generate questions and rebuttals based on the studies that the other panel has selected.
  • You don’t have to read each study in detail. I suggest reading the abstract, introduction, and then look at the data sources, variables used, and the main results. You’ll probably want to know the studies that are used in support of your argument in more detail since the other panelists may question you on them.
  • Create a spreadsheet that lists each study. Next to each study, you can have notes on the main findings and other important details.
  • Finally, meet up with me to discuss.

Audience Members

Review the papers discussed in class as well as the studies selected by each panel. You don’t need to reach each paper in detail. I suggest reading the abstract and introduction to get a sense for the arguments and results of the paper.

During the debate

  • Make eye contact with the audience.
  • Project your voice so that everyone can hear you.
  • Use index cards/notes to summarize major points. Try not to read word-for-word.
  • Try to tell a narrative that is clear and logical.
  • Use the evidence in studies to support your arguments.
  • Have fun!

Generally before I give a public talk, I do a few practice talks in an empty classroom or on a walk.