A research

TOPIC: Armed self-defense is a practical solution for stopping further violence.

TEAMS: Teams will consist of a mixture of work groups.

A list of team members and contact info will be provided.

Teams are encouraged to work outside of class meetings.

· PROS (AFFIRMATIVE): YES, your team agrees

· CONS (NEGATIVE): NO, your team disagrees

· MODERATORS (NEUTRAL): The neutral team will determine the strongest argument based an understanding of the issue and the most effective use of ethos, pathos, and logos in the presentation of both sides of the argument.

TEAM WORK:

Students will collaborate as teams to identify a solution to a problem or issue. Teams will identify approaches, perspectives, or lenses for examining the problem/issue and divide responsibilities among themselves for individual research.

Individually, students investigate their assigned position. Each student presents his or her findings and analysis to their team in a well-written individual report that

· Identifies the area of investigation and its relationship to the overall problem/issue;

· Summarizes, explains, analyzes, and evaluates the main ideas and reasoning in the chosen sources;

· Identifies, compares, and interprets a range of perspectives about the problem or issue; and

· Cites all sources used and includes a list of works cited or bibliography.

Working collaboratively, the team considers all the research and analyses from individual team members for the purpose of proposing one of more solutions or resolutions. The team:

· Collaboratively synthesizes and evaluates individual findings and perspectives to create a collective understanding of different approaches to the problem/issue.

· Considers potential solutions or resolutions and conducts additional research in order to evaluate different solutions within the context of the problem; and

· Proposes one or more solutions or resolutions and prepares an argument to support their proposal, which will support opening and closing statements.

Teams develops multiple one-minute arguments that present convincing arguments for their position. The team should ensure that the claims made are supported by evidence and that they have considered different perspectives and the limitations and implications of their proposed recommendations.

DEBATE DAY

On debate day, teams will assemble and have 5 minutes to deliberate before the debate begins. The debate will open with a 1-2 minute opening argument from each team. Next, each team will have multiple opportunities to refute the opening argument as well as introduce new facts to support their position. Presenters of opening arguments should be determined as soon as possible.

· Moderators must take copious notes during the opening arguments and throughout the debate

· Moderators are allowed to request points of clarification

· Opening and closing arguments must reference source of evidence

· Each team member must alternate presenting or refuting points for 1 minute (max)

· All team members (Pros & Cons) must introduce a point or refute one before members have a second chance to speak

· Team members CANNOT interrupt or talk among themselves during the debate

· Each team will have 2 minutes to prepare a closing argument

· One person from each team will make the 2-minute closing remarks

· Each moderator will use his/her notes to prepare a 1-2 minute statement that highlights strengths and weaknesses of each team’s argument and present the winner on Results Day

When opening arguments are complete, the debate will begin. The team that begins the debate (by a coin toss) will present the first point or address a point made by the opposing team. Each team’s goal is to make a stronger case than the opposing team.

Teams will take turns arguing their points for 1 hour. The closing remarks should represent the strongest, most convincing arguments (employing ethos, pathos and logo) in light of the exchange of views that took place during the debate.

RULES (RESULTS DAY):

On results day, the winner of the debate will be announced.

· Moderators will deliberate (via email, skype, face-to-face, text) about their impressions and notes taken during the debate BEFORE results day

· Moderators will present individual 1-2 minute statements on Results Day

· Each moderator will cover a different strength and weakness discovered in the debate

· After each moderator has spoken, one moderator will announce the winner of the debate

Team grades will be assigned. Grades will be based on your ability to work as a team, your understanding/use of points from the articles and research.

DEBATE RULES AND DECORUM

1. State your name each time you speak.

2. You may exchange written notes during the debate.

3. Profanity is NOT allowed during the debate.

4. Personal insults are NOT allowed during the debate.

5. Interruptions are NOT allowed during the debate.

6. Talking amongst teammates or others is NOT allowed during the debate.

7. Please be ON TIME for the debate.

8. Plan to look like a TEAM during the debate.