tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83222983647273493342024-02-07T15:43:16.199-08:00Speak Up!Weblog and virtual home of the UAEU Women's Debate Society: a Gulf News "News in Education"/UAE University initiative(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-34909716322215451412009-05-25T08:41:00.000-07:002009-05-25T09:25:16.508-07:00Winners: May DebatesHello, Debaters (and fans)!<div><br /></div><div>Thanks again for a memorable night. All of the speakers and their squads impressed us once more with their preparation and poise under challenging circumstances. We learn a lot from all of you every time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I speak for all of the faculty advisors when I say it has been a pleasure working with you: thank you for the privilege. We hope those of you who aren't graduating return to be with us again in the Fall, and to those of you who are graduating, we say God speed you to great adventures beyond the university.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Winners</span></div><div>Here, then, are the winners, with our congratulations:</div><div><br /></div><div>Motion 1: CBE, with Leyla Nader, Haifa Hydruse, and Hind Ali.</div><div><br /></div><div>Motion 2: English Literature 1, with Dunia Hafez, Fatima al Mutawa, and Eman al Mehri</div><div><br /></div><div>Motion 3: Engineering, with Yasmeena Eid Sangoor, Ghada Bannaga, and Shireen Hassan</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall Winners: CBE (and thanks very much for the thoughtful consideration of your faculty supporters)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, as ever, to Monique for her help with the necessaries and the niceties, and to Dean Baker and the other Deans who have supported us from the beginning. We will grow!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Judges</span></div><div>Our judges this time were Dean Courtney Stryker, Dr. Roma Aboudani, and Mr. Francis Mathew, Editor-at-Large of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">On the Horizon</span></div><div>We'll start up again in the Fall, with a general meeting scheduled for September 2. We will hold only two debate series in the Fall, and make sure they are scheduled away from midterm and final exams. We'll also be trying a few other things a little differently in the Fall. So watch this space for news and announcements.</div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-34021568324164952262009-04-29T09:48:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:25:10.126-07:00Motions: May 20 Debates<div>Thanks to all you responded to the request for feedback, and welcome to the new squad from Engineering!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here they are, our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">May Motions </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Squad Assignments</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Debate 1:</span><br /></div><div>This house believes that stricter measures should be taken to control/reduce the importation of foreign material culture and practices.</div><div><br /></div><div>Proposition: CBE</div><div>Opposition: Mass Comm/Translation/Philosophy</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Debate 2:</span></div><div>This house believes that intra-family or "cousin" marriage should be discouraged.</div><div><br /></div><div>Proposition: Linguistics</div><div>Opposition: English 1</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Debate 3:</span><br /></div><div>This house believes that permanent residency/citizenship should be extended to expatriate workers after a 10-year probation period.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Proposition: Engineering</div><div>Opposition: English 2 </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next two weeks:</div><div><br /></div><div>I suggest that squad members research the motion this weekend, and meet together for a correlation meeting/mock debate next week. Please arrange to meet as a squad at a time most convenient for all members, and consider the schedules of your advisors. It would be acceptable to meet without an advisor at first, and then send a delegation to confer with the advisors if necessary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to all for your support and suggestions. If we didn't get to your preferred motion this time, don't worry: we will have an opportunity in the Fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is our last debate of the academic year, so let's make it a great one! <br /></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-85060694435338458942009-04-26T13:16:00.001-07:002009-04-26T13:16:46.008-07:00Judging Criteria<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <o:p></o:p></b></p> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><tbody> <tr> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal">Preparation<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right">/10<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal">Poise and Delivery<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right">/10<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal">Effective First Speech<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right">/10<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal">Effective Response/ Second Speech<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right">/10<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal">Summation<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right">/10<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;background:#B3B3B3; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Total<o:p></o:p></b></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; background:#B3B3B3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right">/50<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; background:#B3B3B3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width="120" valign="top" style="width:119.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; background:#B3B3B3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-31385356743128198262009-04-26T08:40:00.001-07:002009-04-26T09:05:02.733-07:00May Debates: Family, Society and Culture in the EmiratesHello, all! <div><br /></div><div>May is nearly on us, and it's time to begin preparing for our final debates of the academic year. These debates will be held as follows:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">May 20</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Cinema Room</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">6:00-7:45</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We hope to see you all there!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Here are the draft motions. Please review them with your squadmates and advisors (if necessary), then see the instructions below. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This House believes that:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Culture</span></div><div>1. stricter measures should be taken to control/reduce the importation of foreign material culture and practices.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. the importation of foreign material cultures and practices compromises Emirati national identity.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Marriage</span></div><div>3. intra-family or "cousin" marriage should be discouraged/outlawed.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Emirati men should be required to marry Emirati women as only or first spouse.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Citizenship</span></div><div>5. rights of citizenship should be transmitted through mothers as well as fathers.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>6. permanent residency/citizenship should be extended to expatriate workers after a 10-year probation period.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Women in Society</span></div><div>7. the law prohibiting the veil in the workplace should be repealed.</div><div><br /></div><div>8. the law prohibiting the veil in the workplace should be extended to include all public institutions, including government offices, educational institutions, and airports.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Rank the motions in order of preference. Indicate with an O or a P if your squad prefers to be the proposition or the opposition. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Please follow <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">this format</span> in your email:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Re: May Debates, Squad 1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are our preferences:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">7 O</div><div style="text-align: center;">8 P</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 P</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 P</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 O</div><div style="text-align: center;">6 P</div><div style="text-align: center;">5 O</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 O</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">You have until <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, April 28 at midnight </span>to submit your results (one email per squad), at which time Dr. Penny will make motion and position assignments.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Thanks, and happy deliberating!</span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-74690107757795708552009-04-07T10:41:00.001-07:002009-04-07T10:55:54.287-07:00Winners: April DebatesHello, Debaters!<div><br /></div><div>Sorry it's taken me so long to post this. But here it is, at last:</div><div><br /></div><div>Debate 1: Squad 5, represented by Saba Najeeb, Zainab Shanbeeh, and Hind Ali</div><div><br /></div><div>Debate 2: Squad 4, represented by Asma Salih, Mai Hasan, and Badreyya Khanbooli</div><div><br /></div><div>Debate 3: Squad 1, represented by Fatima Tariq, Asma Ba'Omar, and Ameera al Shehhi</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall Winners: Squad 5</div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to all our debaters--speakers and squadmates--for a stimulating evening. You got a lot of students interested, and gave us much to think about. Thanks also to the advisors. We appreciate your hard work and commitment.</div><div><br /></div><div>See you at the General Meeting!</div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday, April 8, 6:45-7:45</div><div>Room 134, MQ80</div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-19067283401053091362009-03-24T09:18:00.000-07:002009-03-24T09:51:52.824-07:00Motions: April DebatesHello, everyone!<div><br /></div><div>We've been working through a few little snafus, but I think we've sorted everything out. So here, in preparation for the April 1 debates, are the motions and squad assignments.</div><div><br /></div><div>The overall theme is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">campus issues</span>, and the motions were generated and selected by the members of the society by common consent. </div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size:12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Motion 1: This House believes that UAEU should be a co-educational institution.</span><br />Proposition: Squad 2<br />Opposition: Squad 5<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Motion 2: This House believes that international undergraduate students should not have to pay tuition and housing fees.</span><br />Proposition: Squad 4<br />Opposition: Squad 3<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> Motion 3: This House would allow general camera use on the women’s campus and in the women’s housing areas.</span><br />Proposition: Squad 1<br />Opposition: Squad 6</span></span> <!--EndFragment--> <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to all our squads and their advisors for their commitment and preparation. Squads are composed of students from the colleges of Law, Engineering, Business, and Humanities and Social Sciences. From CHSS, we have Translation, Linguistics, Mass Communications, Sociology, psychology, and English Literature students. </div><div><br /></div><div>Advisors come from Business, English, Translation, Linguistics, Psychology, History, and Literature. We're quite the group! See you next week, as follows:</div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday, April 1, 2009</div><div>Cinema Room, MQ80</div><div>18:00-19:45</div><div><br /></div><div>All students and faculty are welcome.</div><div><br /></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-68683728466946651542009-03-09T08:46:00.001-07:002009-03-09T08:48:18.978-07:00A ResourceThanks to Mr. Tim Kirk for this. Eventually we'll put it in the resources section, but it deserves its own place here:<div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Speaking, Listening and Understanding : Debate for Non-Native English Speakers</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Rybold, Gary (Author)</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Pages: 192</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Publisher: International Debate Education Association</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Released: 2006</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Language: en</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">LC Call Number: PN4181.R94 2006eb</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">ISBN: 9781932716245</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Dewey Decimal Number: 808.5/3</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Subjects: Debates and debating. English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Click on:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://library.uaeu.ac.ae/search~S7?/Xenglish+language+debate&searchscope=7&SORT=D/Xenglish+language+debate&searchscope=7&SORT=D&SUBKEY=english%20language%20debate/1%2C5%2C5%2CB/frameset&FF=Xenglish+language+debate&SORT=D&1%2C1%2C</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Then click on <access>, in the middle of the page</p></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-21319838392751015962009-03-09T07:17:00.000-07:002009-03-11T06:25:10.811-07:00Echoes: Feedback and AftershocksHello, debaters.<div><br /></div><div>I wanted to share with you a few words from our college leadership.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, Dr. Rachel Johnson, an Assistant Dean and Professor of Psychology (and one of our wonderful faculty advisors) reported on a few of her conversations after the event. In include a slightly shortened version of her comments here:</div><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Jonathan - </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">How amazing to have students prepare arguments, in English, and speak in public. Just having achieved this is a great thing. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">I know my group . . . didn't have much time to prepare and as a consequence their content was quite weak. Their will to participate meant that this wouldn't hold them back. Then, at the end all three were so proud of themselves. One of them . . . told me that she had been truly terrified. But she'd been prepared to put herself through this ordeal. She then told me that it was the first time ever that she'd spoken in public - she'd not performed before, even in front of a small group, even in Arabic. She then said that now she knows that she can both speak in public and do this in English. And so she's going to participate again. She was very grateful to have had the experience and boost to self-esteem.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">I also spoke with the Gulf News representatives [Bala and Sanjay]. The two blokes told me how MUCH they'd enjoyed the debate, how impressed they were with the students - their energy confidence insight humour and force. They had also been impressed by your previous 'debate on debates'. They told me to thank you on their behalf.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">I also talked to [Aida Al Busaidy] and [Maysam Ali]. They shared similar views. They were amazed to hear also that many of the women would be from the Northern Emirates. They're keen to cover events outside of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so will be in touch again with you, CHSS and probably Maryak Bayshak. They want to know about any 'event' going on here that would be interesting to cover.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Dr Rachel Johnson<br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Assistant Dean, Planning and Assessment</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Associate Professor, Psychology</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">College of Humanities and Social Sciences</p></div><div><br /></div><div>Second, the response from Dean Baker, who remarked how pleased and proud he was several times throughout the event:</div><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Jonathon,</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">Permit me to add to Rachel's encomium my own hearty written congratulations</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">to you and our faculty colleagues for an extraordinarily successful start to</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">the debate culture on campus. It would not have been nearly so wonderful</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">without your personal skill in bringing it all together. Today's Gulf News</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">has two splendid stories. It was a great occasion, and the students'</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">enthusiasm was wonderful to behold. No doubt word is spreading among</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">students and you may be swamped with more recruits and the need to move to a</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">larger venue next time! </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco; min-height: 14.0px"> </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Monaco">[Dean Baker]</p></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, all the congratulations belong to you, the teams and squads and advisors who worked so hard behind the scenes. Let's keep it up!</div><div><br /></div><div>And speaking of congratulations, <a href="http://www.gulfnews.com/notes/Events/10291818.html">here</a>'s a link to the continued coverage in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News</span>' Notes section. </div><div><br /></div><div>We're still waiting for pictures to trickle in, and will post them as soon as we can. In the meantime, remember our general meeting scheduled for Wednesday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Among other things, we need to sign up new recruits, establish our student executive, approve a schedule for the next round of debates, discuss last week's event, and (maybe) have a short training session on evidence. It will be a busy but important meeting. </div><div><br /></div><div>See you there!</div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-82411795093806075172009-03-06T04:31:00.000-08:002009-03-06T05:15:18.705-08:00We Have Winners!Results of the inaugural debates are in!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Let's begin with some congratulations and recognitions:</span></div><div><br /></div><div>First, we are very pleased to report that<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> all of the teams</span> performed admirably: despite some initial difficulties with scheduling and preparation, we were able to move ahead with the three debates as scheduled. They are all winners, and we are very proud of them for their courage and commitment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, thanks ever so much to our dedicated <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">faculty advisors</span>: in the batter's box this month were Dr. Said, Dr. Rachel, Dr. Sally, Dr. Dawn, and Mr. Tim. They were a great help to the squads, and in turn the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">squads</span> were a great help to the teams they chose to represent them. It was a wonderful night of stirring, energetic, and intelligent debate. </div><div><br /></div><div>Third, thanks to Saba and Mai for "speaking up" and volunteering to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">moderate </span>and keep the debates on schedule. They were both wonderful, and helped make the evening a delightful affair for all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fourth, thanks also to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dean</span> and our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">partners</span> at Gulf News and in the Women's Day organizing committee: Barb Struthers, Basil Muir, and, of course, the unsinkable Monique Holtzhausen. Well done, all!</div><div><br /></div><div>Last, but certainly not least, the debates were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">judged</span> by three leading lights in UAE Society--all accomplished women, and all very gracious for agreeing to join us: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Ms. Maysam Ali</span> of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News--Notes</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Ms. Aida Al Busaidy</span> of dubaigroup/Dubai One, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. Maryam Bayshak</span> of our very own CHSS: fitting that as assistant dean of student success she was there to help us celebrate the successes of our debate society members.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Winners, in order of debate:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Debate 1:</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Squad 2</span>, represented by Fadwa Baraba, Shaikha Naqbi, and Haya Tenaiji </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Debate 2:</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Squad 3</span>, represented by Aamna Mazrooei, Maryam Al Shamsi, and Ehsan Al Maamari</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Debate 3:</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Squad 5</span>, represented by Haifa Hydrose, Fatima Deria, and Ruaa Abdulla</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Best Overall Team </span>for the March 4 debates:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> Squad 5</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to all of you for a very fine and very successful first evening of debate! We look forward to more next month!</div><div><br /></div><div>Pictures to follow: for now look <a href="http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Society/10291874.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Education/10291912.html">here</a> for coverage in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News</span>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> We're famous!</span></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-20379510244262643252009-02-22T11:59:00.001-08:002009-02-22T12:03:11.519-08:00Motion Assignments: March DebatesHello, all. Here are the assignments, by motion, for the March 4 debates:<div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size:12.0px;"><i>Squad 1 v. Squad 2<br /></i><br />Motion 1: This House believes that governance is best reserved for men.<br /><br /><i>Squad 3 v. Squad 4<br /></i><br />Motion 3: This House would require professional schools in the Gulf (medicine, law, etc.) to reserve half of their seats for women.<br /><br /><i>Squad 5 v. Squad 6<br /></i><br />Motion 2: This House believes that the best boss is a woman boss.</span></span> <!--EndFragment--><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Odd numbered squads will be the proposition, even numbered squads will be the opposition. </div><div><br /></div><div>Squad lists have been sent to all members and advisors. Please check with me if you have problems/questions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reminder: squads should meet this week to discuss and debate the motion, select a team of 3 to represent them on March 4, and help them prepare.</div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck, and we'll see you on March 4!</div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-8333904779582643732009-02-21T07:12:00.000-08:002009-02-21T07:17:09.828-08:00JFK on the PressThis video is edited for a specific set of purposes. But if you ignore the images, and heed the text, you'll get some sense for why the freedom of the media is so important: "to inform, to arouse, to reflect, to state our dangers and our opportunities, to indicate our crises and our choices, to lead, mold, educate, and sometimes even anger public opinion."<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); white-space: pre; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><object width="450" height="370"><param name="movie" value="http://www.ireport.com/themes/custom/resources/swfplayer/mediaplayer.swf"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="flashvars" value="height=370&width=448&autostart=false&autoscroll=false&showstop=false&showicons=false&showdigits=total&controlbar=34&backcolor=0xFFFFFF&screencolor=0x000000&frontcolor=0xDEDEDE&lightcolor=0x00A2FF&logo=http%3A//www.ireport.com/themes/custom/resources/swfplayer/data/images/ireport_wm.gif&file=http%3A//ht.cdn.turner.com/ireport/big/prod/2009/02/19/WE00214421/424678/Anon1235081266-ThePresidentWhoToldTheTruth211046.flv&image=http%3A//i.cdn.turner.com/ireport/sm/prod/2009/02/19/WE00214421/424678/Anon1235081266-ThePresidentWhoToldTheTruth211046_lg.jpg"><embed src="http://www.ireport.com/themes/custom/resources/swfplayer/mediaplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="450" height="370" menu="false" flashvars="height=370&width=448&autostart=false&autoscroll=false&showstop=false&showicons=false&showdigits=total&controlbar=34&backcolor=0xFFFFFF&screencolor=0x000000&frontcolor=0xDEDEDE&lightcolor=0x00A2FF&logo=http%3A//www.ireport.com/themes/custom/resources/swfplayer/data/images/ireport_wm.gif&file=http%3A//ht.cdn.turner.com/ireport/big/prod/2009/02/19/WE00214421/424678/Anon1235081266-ThePresidentWhoToldTheTruth211046.flv&image=http%3A//i.cdn.turner.com/ireport/sm/prod/2009/02/19/WE00214421/424678/Anon1235081266-ThePresidentWhoToldTheTruth211046_lg.jpg"></embed></object></span><br /></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-83123682488990893162009-02-21T03:42:00.000-08:002009-02-21T07:17:47.039-08:00Motions: March Debates<div>Our apologies to the members of the Society who couldn't find us last week: we moved down the hall to room 134 for our training. A notice was sent out to you, but apparently it was not clear enough. When we get the calendar functioning properly, we'll make sure to include information about dates, times, and locations from now on.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Minutes from the meeting</span></div><div><br /></div>We met last Wednesday for our first general assembly meeting/orientation. Several more students signed up, we reviewed the information available on the blog, and discussed issues/potential motions for our first debates.<div><br /></div><div>It was decided that we would mount two debates for March 4, with several motions being proposed. After careful consideration, Dr. Penny has revised them as follows (students or advisors who wish to suggest changes may do so before Monday):</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Motion the first</span>:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This House believes that governance is best reserved for men.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Motion the second</span>:</div><div><br /></div><div>This House believes that the best boss is a woman boss.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Motion the third (alternate):</span></div><div><br /></div><div>This House would require companies to hire women at all levels.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">What next?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>In the next post, we will present the lists with the names of each squad and their advisor, and indicate who will be the proposition and who will be the opposition for each motion. Advisors will be contacting you Sunday or Monday to arrange a time and a place to meet this week to prepare for the debate.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Quick reminder: the debates will consist of two or three 5 minute speeches and one 3 minute summation per side. We will begin precisely at 6:30 (and possibly at 6:00--check here soon) on March 4th in the Cinema Room of MQ80, and will plan to be finished no later than 8:00. Each debate will require 30-35 minutes, and the judges will deliberate for 10 following the debates. <br /></li><li>Spectators will have an opportunity to participate following the debate by offering "points of information" or new arguments in a public discussion. <br /></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>However, the debates themselves will be restricted to the squads, and each squad will need to choose a team of 2-3 debaters to represent them on stage. Use your small meetings this week to practice, prepare, and choose the best representatives. Argue the motion from both sides to help you prepare.</div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-52161342545782433602009-02-14T12:16:00.000-08:002009-02-14T23:01:32.048-08:00Hostelwork: Priming for our First DebateHello, debaters, supporters, advisors, and curious others!<div><br /></div><div>After our launch this past week, we will begin preparing for the first formal debates, which will take place on March 4 as part of the university's International Women's Day celebrations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's what we're going to do for the next couple of weeks as we get ready.</div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>This coming Wednesday, Feb 18, we'll be meeting in a general assembly to take in new members, review the rules of debate, and discuss issues of importance to women in the UAE and Gulf region. </li><li>Small groups will meet together briefly and discuss what they have been reading in the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "> Gulf News</span> and other sources relating to women's rights, experiences, or perspectives.<br /></li><li>Those groups will develop a specific <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">motion</span> following the models we've seen--something that forwards a specific policy, belief, or recommendation, and that can be supported with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">reasons</span>.</li><li>The large group will select 3 specific motions for use in the debates, and departmental "squads" will then be assigned a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">motion</span> and a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">side</span>.</li><li>During the following week, individuals squads should actively and critically search for related materials in news media and other general sources, read and prepare reasons to support their particular side. </li><li>Squads will then meet with their assigned faculty advisor to debate the issue in a small group, select 2 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">team</span> members to represent them in the debate, and carefully prepare their <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">speeches</span>.</li></ol><div>On March 4th, we will feature 2-3 debates in our inaugural meeting. Guest judges will be present to score the debates, but more important than the points you earn will be the quality of your thinking and your growing understanding of the structure and purpose of debates. And, as Mr. Sanjay told us, we should also enjoy ourselves!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Watch this space!</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Or rather, watch the space on the left entitled "Upcoming Debate": we'll be posting links to interesting articles, so please write with suggestions. You can simply comment below, send an email to JonathonP@uaeu.ac.ae, or share with your faculty advisor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here we go!</div></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-46384805250695068742009-02-14T08:53:00.000-08:002009-02-15T00:17:10.728-08:00We have lift off!The CHSS Debate Society was launched on Wednesday, February 11 in the Cinema Room of MQ80 on the women's campus of United Arab Emirates University.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1xQwei8CdBd6DVYVLuuHJ2bj6izZ9QwrNLj4GOiZ5eW9yNykWF51RQWqajJI53n9lS5c0Ik150qoM9VtssM9jlY0HnsMdfi0aQ2YZYMWoW-vV7p0PRJJv9-OIwjFvQmd-pnXAJhSxZo/s1600-h/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1xQwei8CdBd6DVYVLuuHJ2bj6izZ9QwrNLj4GOiZ5eW9yNykWF51RQWqajJI53n9lS5c0Ik150qoM9VtssM9jlY0HnsMdfi0aQ2YZYMWoW-vV7p0PRJJv9-OIwjFvQmd-pnXAJhSxZo/s320/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302929589652842258" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The launch was attended by Dean Don Baker and several faculty representatives of the departments in our college (and one from Business!), around 80 students from the colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences and Business, and, of course, our partners from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News</span>: Messieurs Bala Krishnan and Sanjay Malik.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dr. Baker spoke passionately about the potential of debate not only to enhance student experience and training, but also its potential to make substantial civic contributions: to advance discussion about matters that are important for you, your communities, your nation, and the region.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bala and Sanjay introduced their ideas for a series of initiatives they've collected under the umbrella venture "QUEST: Newspapers in Education." They are starting, of course, with debate under the moniker "Listen Up!", and our "Speak Up!" is a proud first society in what we hope will be a network of college societies that come together to debate important issues. Stay tuned for more on the coming initiatives: there's something for everyone!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9nJT5JH3ENAOP5HIMi5vX-Y-1RODZHhdfT4WgTkUBu53Io1jXhNBFghVyDT5Dh_l1qymj1RRky7DMubs2iqmmC9sMy51Q8RWCAOfRbbvBrypPpWa-GxcBl_XgPxARWVo4MrC6q8CB2k/s1600-h/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+002.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9nJT5JH3ENAOP5HIMi5vX-Y-1RODZHhdfT4WgTkUBu53Io1jXhNBFghVyDT5Dh_l1qymj1RRky7DMubs2iqmmC9sMy51Q8RWCAOfRbbvBrypPpWa-GxcBl_XgPxARWVo4MrC6q8CB2k/s320/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302929591663653586" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>(Above: Mr. Bala Krishnan encourages debate as an essential component of social and intellectual progress. Below: Mr. Sanjay Malik introduces several other initiatives that will be rolled out in the coming months.)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiBfUPcw-Kjj3tYVJMM2dMR5meM-f9TiuXj-i5_Ahnr9TbhIebHrcWhmxa6SrZv9V3id2szrgYc7QruVGv-6F5i-ZaTKOW96EHuAsur3KmUJP8W8h_hTqq2q-Q0TXm7UZQbTAdTfIDh4/s1600-h/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+003.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiBfUPcw-Kjj3tYVJMM2dMR5meM-f9TiuXj-i5_Ahnr9TbhIebHrcWhmxa6SrZv9V3id2szrgYc7QruVGv-6F5i-ZaTKOW96EHuAsur3KmUJP8W8h_hTqq2q-Q0TXm7UZQbTAdTfIDh4/s320/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302929591829306482" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Free Newspapers! Wallah!</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We remind you that, in addition to their philosophical support, the good folks at Gulf News have generously gone "halfsies" with the College on a subscription of roughly 150 copies of their newspaper, which will be circulated to us at various points on campus on a daily basis for the next several months. Please feel free to read them on the spot or back in the hostels, and share them around. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can also access their online platform via the button on this page (top left), and should feel free to consult other news sources as well. We've provided links and headlines at various places in this blog.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Why?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>You need to stay informed, whether you wish to debate or not! Know what's going on in your world and the world beyond it. Get interested! Think critically about events, information, reporting, perspective, consequence, and your place in all of it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh760EOxoZwnqwI2V8MpLwUSM6CciwjOtY_QSnB55cGFbJO9Fc1oU7ldbz1yWi5MVr5fR3E2KVi7m5R-ICVtVEyyPJ5FcsCRpMuX5x-1VwQPkbTPp6PObcFKI7xw-mjymOIm-tcSKyAU/s1600-h/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+004.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh760EOxoZwnqwI2V8MpLwUSM6CciwjOtY_QSnB55cGFbJO9Fc1oU7ldbz1yWi5MVr5fR3E2KVi7m5R-ICVtVEyyPJ5FcsCRpMuX5x-1VwQPkbTPp6PObcFKI7xw-mjymOIm-tcSKyAU/s320/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302929591574511026" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, debaters need to stay informed so that their arguments are informed as well: you'll need to link your ideas to real events as much as possible. And one of the core rules of competitive debate, especially in a multidisciplinary setting like a university, is that the information we draw on be generally available, produced for a general audience. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Newspapers, online news sources, and television news are a primary source of that kind of information.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">A Caution</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, we must always engage critically with the news, however carefully and objectively it is reported. Journalists and editors are human: they have perspectives, they have purposes, and they work under certain pressures, just as we do in the university. So as we turn to them to shape our knowledge and understanding of the world, to give us access to events or facts we might not get ourselves, we must also remain a little skeptical: ask questions, compare versions, and always, always think!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Text of the Launch</span></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">Speak Up!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">A partnership between UAEU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences and <i>Gulf News</i>’ “Newspapers in Education” initiative</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">Where to find us (and more)</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; color:#009999;"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><a href="http://uaeudebate.blogspot.com/">uaeudebate.blogspot.com</a></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">What is “debate”?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Well? What is it?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Discussion</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Argument</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Deliberation</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Persuasion</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">From <i>The Debaters</i>: “Debate is combat, but your weapons are words.”</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">In action</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Prime Minister Gordon Brown on the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsAa9VmwOal"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; color:#009999;">hot seat.</span></a> . . </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">And <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLpFBfmldnA"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; color:#009999;">closer to home. </span></a>. . the Doha Debates, journalist v. guest. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">Formal Debate<br />British Parliamentary style</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">An <b>engagement</b> in language between two or more persons or teams over an issue of <b>shared interest</b> and <b>importance </b>wherein each side</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"></p><ul><li>presents a specific claim, called a <b>motion</b>,<br /></li><li>supports or opposes that motion by offering a chain of <b>reasons</b> based in <b>evidence</b> and <b>critical thought</b>,<br /></li><li>seeks to <b>discredit</b> their opponent’s position, <br /></li><li>and therefore <b>move the discussion</b> forward.<br /></li></ul><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">How is it done?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">First, we must establish the motion, something like</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"></p><ul><li>“This House believes that immigrants to the UAE should be taxed.”</li><li>“This House supports the establishment of post-secondary co-education.”<br /></li></ul><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">For? or Against?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Next, we establish who will speak for the motion, and who will speak against it.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"></p><ul><li>Those who speak <i>for</i> constitute the <b>proposition</b>.<br /></li><li>Those who speak <i>against</i> constitute the <b>opposition</b>.<br /></li></ul><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">Who goes first?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"></p><ol><li>The proposition begins, outlining its basic position, and offering several fundamental reasons.<br /></li><li>The opposition follows, responding to the proposition, and establishing its own position.<br /></li><li>Each responds to the other in the same order, both undermining their opponents’ arguments, and strengthening or clarifying their own.<br /></li><li>Finally, each side summarizes the strengths of its position, and points out the weaknesses in their opponents’ arguments.<br /></li></ol><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Sound easy?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">Let’s try it!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Motion of the <b>proposition</b>: </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">“This House would require all students to participate in formal debates because. . .”</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"><b>Opposition</b>:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">“This side of the House would <b>not</b> require all students to participate in formal debates because. . .”</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">What can debate do for you?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Debate reinforces skills already taught at the university:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Close reading</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Interpretation</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Analysis</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Critical reasoning </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Argumentation</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Rhetorical invention</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Persuasion</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Public speaking</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">What can you do for the Debate Society?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Cheer us on, keep us honest! </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Support communications and promotions</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Help with the organization and administration</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Contribute research, perspective, and constructive criticism</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Debate! (Speak Up!)</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">Like what you see?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Sign up tonight!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Need some more time? Want to know more?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">“Speak Up!” (<a href="http://uaeudebate.blogspot.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; color:#009999;">uaeudebate.blogspot.com</span></a>) is a great place to start!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 22.0px Arial">Stay informed!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Next meeting (first training):</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Wednesday, February 18</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Cinema Room</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">6:30-8:00</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial">Check our blog for details and updates.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 13.5px; text-indent: -13.5px; font: 16.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDj4GN56CWhcdYJ-V804jDLFXINfWK2Pccx7eNvcXMOTjX-GsHT7YSO5Ry7qgVGXg0FRUON7HqnXrYchGAZVin-9q8VLQcgjsA4xkWpSu4w1sa7i2i-PAM5kF9_ZO9Kht5LpyxV9cUeo/s1600-h/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+005.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDj4GN56CWhcdYJ-V804jDLFXINfWK2Pccx7eNvcXMOTjX-GsHT7YSO5Ry7qgVGXg0FRUON7HqnXrYchGAZVin-9q8VLQcgjsA4xkWpSu4w1sa7i2i-PAM5kF9_ZO9Kht5LpyxV9cUeo/s320/CHSS+Debate+Society+Launch+005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302929592978406962" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 120px; " /></a></span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Pictured above (l-r) rear: Dr. Ray Percival (Philosophy), Dr. Manfred Malzhan, Dr. Abdullah al Dabbagh, Dr. Jonathon Penny (English Literature), CHSS Dean Dr. Don Baker, Mr. Sanjay Malik (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News</span>), Dr. Duane Lacey (Philosophy); fore: Dr. Raja Bahlul (Philosophy), Mr. Bala Krishnan (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News</span>), Dr. Mohammed Tabishat (Sociology), Dr. Leon Holtzhausen (Social Work), Dr. Jamil Browson (Geography)</div></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-25541498074520892362009-02-03T11:13:00.000-08:002009-02-14T12:47:53.779-08:00Rules of DebateDebate rules! At least, it can be quite stimulating, though it does take some getting used to. Please review the rules carefully, and be sure to check this entry regularly for edits and updates. As our debates become more sophisticated and polished, so will our rules.<div><br /></div><div>But this will get us started.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Draft Rules of the CHSS Debate Society</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><ol><li>For now, the language of the debates will be English. If there is sufficient interest, we may sponsor Arabic-language debates in the future.<br /></li><li>Speeches will be five (5) minutes in length, including addresses, motions/rebuttals, assertions, evidence, and summations. <br /></li><li>An audible notice will be given after one (1) minute and four (4) minutes, and again at the five (5) minute mark.<br /></li><li>Speakers will be expected to be in their seats no later than fifteen (15) seconds after the final notice. <br /></li><li>There will be two (2) speeches per side, plus a three (3) minute summation.<br /></li><li>First speeches must begin with a formal address. You may use the traditional Arabic greeting, of course, and afterward address the moderator, judges, and audience, as follows: "Mr. Speaker/Madame Speaker (moderator), adjudicators, and ladies and gentlemen...."<br /></li><li>The proposition will open the argument with the motion in the following formula: "This House believes/asserts/would..." For example, "This House would require the election of women to 50% of available seats in the government assembly." or "This House believes that electing women to government positions improves the quality of women's lives." ("House" refers to the British "Houses of Parliament.")<br /></li><li>The opposition opens their remarks with a counter-motion, thus: "This side of the House would not require the election...." or "This side of the House does not believe that electing women...."<br /></li><li>Traditionally, teams not speaking may offer to interject, typically by standing or raising a hand, with "points of information"--clarifying statements or questions--but these points do not have to be accepted by the speaker. If they are, they must not last more than fifteen (15) seconds. The moderator must control teams who interject too often. We will phase this practice in throughout the term.<br /></li><li>If teams feel their opponents are speaking unfairly or inappropriately, or are otherwise abusing the debate, they may raise a "point of order" with the moderator, typically by saying "Mr. Moderator, a point of order." If recognized, they may register their complaint. <br /></li><li>Teams and speakers will not use props of any kind, including computer-based presentations or images. Speech only is permitted.<br /></li><li>Once the Society has agreed on the specific "motion," it cannot be changed by teams. <br /></li><li>The opening speaker for the proposition must "define" the terms of the motion or interpret it for the purposes of the debate. The moderator may offer clarification. Any interruption by the moderator will pause the clock.<br /></li><li>Second speeches by both sides may rebut their opponents points and add new information if helpful. Summations must not add new information, but may both summarize the team's position, reminding the audience of their better points, and rebut their opponents, showing the weakness in that argument.<br /></li><li>Remember that it is vital to rebut your opponents: not just to disagree with them, but to show why their arguments are weak or flawed. <br /></li><li>Do not make assertions based solely on opinion or conviction: you must indicate or provide some evidence for each point.<br /></li><li>It is not necessary that you believe what your team is arguing (for or against the motion). Parliamentary debate is about testing ideas, and so the opposition and the proposition subject their opponents to rigorous scrutiny--to make each other argue well and responsibly.<br /></li><li>While the judges make their determination, comment will be opened to the floor of the House (the audience) to participate by making short statements or points in support of one side or the other.<br /></li><li>Plagiarism of texts/scripts will not be tolerated, and if discovered will result in suspension from the Society. Please discuss your arguments with your faculty advisor, and be sure to go over all sources. Direct quotation should not be necessary except in rare cases.<br /></li><li>Have fun!<br /></li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div>Sound complicated? It is, a little. But after one or two debates, it all begins to make sense. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay focused on what you will gain from this experience: you may make some mistakes (we all will!), but you will get better over time, and the strength, confidence, and understanding you acquire will make it worthwhile. It will prepare you to be better persons, better citizens, and better servants to your nation and region.</div><div><br /></div></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-33774036892054089002009-02-02T10:56:00.000-08:002009-02-10T14:45:35.756-08:00Words to debate by<div>Let us begin with a few words on the culture and basic structure of debate.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will be following a simplified version of the British parliamentary rules (see the next post): as we learn the basics, we will be able to try the more complex rules and longer debate sessions.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Resources: a reminder</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Many of the sites referenced under "Useful Resources" have posted similar guides. You will see that each society takes a slightly different approach, but all have much to offer us in the way of knowledge and experience. I recommend <a href="http://www.qatardebate.org/index.asp">qatar debate</a> as a very good place to start as you explore the culture and tradition of debate on your own.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Reading, Thinking, Interpreting, Arguing</span></div><div><br /></div><div>As you review our "Rules," you should keep in mind that debate is highly structured--like an essay. It isn't a matter of simply speaking: you should remain informed about contemporary issues, and examine them from several angles. This means you should both <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">read</span> or view <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">and interpret</span> information available in print and online sources. These need not include academic essays or books. In fact, debate typically requires that you apply general sources of information: newspapers, like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News</span>, and other regional and international news sources are helpful, as are almanacs, encyclopedias, and serious magazines.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it will be essential that you<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> interpret</span> this information as well: draw inferences from reported facts; link events, examples, and facts to issues; consider what this information might mean, and how it might be used to support two opposite theses. This way, your contribution to your team will be substantial, both in preparing for and executing the debate.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Debate: a starting point</span></div><div><br /></div><div>There are two kinds of debate: a "show" debate, which is held in front of an audience, and in which the audience may participate; and a "competition" debate, wherein the debating teams, moderator, and timekeeper are the only active participants.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will have opportunity to try out both models, but to begin with, we will prefer the competition model. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">two teams</span>, consisting of 2 or 3 speakers each. One team is called the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">P</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">roposition </span>or<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> Government--</span>those who are instructed to "propose" a specific <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">motion</span>--an assertion, thesis, or policy--supporting it with information drawn and interpreted from their general reading. The other team is called the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">O</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">pposition</span>, and they are required to oppose, to "rebut" or "disprove" the case of the proposition using similar skills of interpretation, and support a contrary thesis.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is generally structured as follows.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>Proposition speech 1</div><div>Opposition speech 1</div><div>Proposition speech 2</div><div>Opposition speech 2</div><div>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>.</div><div>Opposition summation</div><div>Proposition summation</div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The number of speeches varies, so please consult our "Rules" carefully and regularly. We may make changes as we improve our skill. We also want as many debaters to take part as is reasonable, and much will depend on how many of you wish to participate. Speeches may vary in number and length according to our needs.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Preparation</span></div><div><br /></div><div>But of course, the speakers in a debate must be supported by an enthusiastic and engaged <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">team</span>. We will be calling them <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">squads</span>, and if enough people from your major are participating, these squads will be organized by major. Each squad will have a faculty advisor, and you will meet at least twice before each scheduled debate. During these meetings, you will be coached in a variety of principles or techniques, you will discuss the motion and related issues, and you will practice generating arguments <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">pro</span> (for) and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">con</span> (against) the proposition. The week before the debate, the squad will review their practice runs, discuss changes or enhancements to their argument, and select 2 representatives to serve on the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">team</span> for the upcoming debate. (If the numbers of student squads are more limited than we expect, this may be increased to 3.) </div><div><br /></div><div>The text of the motion--that is, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">claim </span>that is to be defended or opposed--will be identified after a discussion at the general meeting the week after every debate. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Judgment</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Judgment of the outcomes of the debates will determined by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">judges</span>, comprised alternately of students, faculty, and other guests. The judges will receive the same list of criteria for awarding points as the squads. Please see our "Rules" for that criteria. In general, debate is scored much like boxing or football: points are awarded for, well, points made against your opponent.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Example</span></div><div><br /></div><div>We will be viewing footage of many debates over the coming months, and many are available for viewing through resource websites, but this one will give you a good sense for the general procedure and structure of a formal, competitive debate. It is from the 2007 World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC), and features high school students from Pakistan and Korea debating the proposition "This House would force organizations to place more women in senior positions." </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep in mind these students are debating in a second language--English--and are younger than you. They are proof that debate can be a very helpful tool in your social, academic, and intellectual growth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a look!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.co.uk/googleplayer.swf?docid=7873357314884582586&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed> </span><br /></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322298364727349334.post-70352271733358493942009-01-31T10:32:00.000-08:002009-01-31T15:15:45.912-08:00Constitution<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Draft Constitution of the CHSS Debate Society</span><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">30 January 2009 <br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">(to be ratified by members and executive)<br /></div><br />The CHSS Debate Society aims to enrich the educational experience of students and faculty in the college by providing training and experience in debate, and by providing a forum for the debate and discussion of key issues in education and society in the UAE and GCC.<br /><br />In partnering with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gulf News</span> and other similarly interested organizations, CHSS Debate confirms its interest in helping establish a network of debating societies throughout the UAE and the Gulf Region, and in coming together with these societies in a spirit of cooperative competition to raise and advance issues of substance and significance, and participate in the critical examination of what it means to be Muslim, Emirati, Arab, and Human in a world faced with unprecedented crisis and promise.</div><div><br /></div><div>In light of these commitments, we establish the following articles.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I. The Society</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The Society's Goals are:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. to provide a structure, venue, and opportunity to debate for students majoring in departments of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences;</div><div>2. to train members in the tradition and practice of debate;</div><div>3. to grow interest and participation in debate as educational tool among students in the college, the university, and at sister institutions;</div><div>4. to complement the work of students and faculty by stimulating intellectual and philosophical exchange, and participating responsibly with its partners in the careful dissemination and interpretation of information;</div><div>5. to represent the college and university in competitions outside the university as opportunity arises, and to seek opportunities to host such competitions;</div><div>6. to complement and enrich discussions already happening on local, national, and regional stages, and to support responsible governance by first encouraging responsible citizenship.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">II. Membership</span></div><div><br /></div><div>1. All students majoring in one of the twelve departments of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences may join the Society. Exceptions for minors from other colleges may be made at the discretion of departmental advisors, to be named in February, 2009.</div><div>2. Membership is "open," meaning that students may participate as observers or debaters according to the stipulations of the society, and according to the decisions of departmental advisors and squads (see "Structure," below, and the blog entry "Rules of Debate").</div><div>3. Members--including students, officers, and advisors--may be removed from Society events and/or suspended/expelled from the Society upon the majority decision of the executive for serious infractions of the Society's policies or the rules of debate (see "Rules" and "Policies," below).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">III. Meetings</span></div><div><br /></div><div>As the Society expands, it may become necessary to hold occasional general meetings to discuss matters of policy, etc., and to accommodate interest from other colleges/campuses.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the interim, the following general schedule of meetings will pertain, and is subject to amendment:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Society Meetings for female students will be held on the first and second Wednesdays of every month, excluding the final month or half-month of the semester. Place and time will be announced via this blog and various promotional efforts of the College.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>First Wednesday meetings will be the venue for monthly "college debates" on pre-selected topics (please see "Rules" and "Structure" for additional details).<br /></li><li>Second Wednesday meetings will allow Society members an opportunity to discuss and select topics for the upcoming debates, and will feature general instruction in debate decorum and technique.</li></ul><div>2. Departmental squads will meet separately during the third and fourth weeks of every month, at least once under the direction of the departmental advisor, for discussion, training, practice, and selection of teams for the upcoming debate.</div><div>3. Society business requiring general discussion or vote will be conducted at one of the two monthly meetings. Notification of such business must be received one week before a scheduled meeting, and will be circulated in advance of that meeting as necessary.</div><div>4. Other business will be conducted via executive channels, as appropriate. Communications will be maintained via this blog, listserv, and promotional efforts of<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> Gulf News</span> and the college.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">IV. Structure</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The organizational structure of the Society will include an executive, departmental squads, teams, and general members. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">1. Executive</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>The executive will consist of officers drawn from the faculty by appointment, and from the student membership by election. Detailed schedules of responsibilities will be posted soon.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Faculty officers</span> will include the following:</div><div><ul><li>Dean of College or authorized representative (in absentia)<br /></li><li>Coordinator or Co-Coordinators of Student Debating Activities<br /></li><li>Departmental Advisors<br /></li><li>Sponsorship Liaison/Coordinator of Promotions<br /></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Student officers</span> will include the following:</div><div><ul><li>President of the Debate Society<br /></li><li>Vice-President of the Debate Society<br /></li><li>Secretary</li><li>Departmental Representatives</li><li>Communications/Promotions Officer</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Revolving or ad-hoc positions:</div><div><ul><li>Moderator<br /></li><li>Timekeeper<br /></li><li>Judge</li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">2. Departmental Squads and Teams<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></div><div><ul><li>Faculty Advisor<br /></li><li>Student Representative<br /></li><li>Squad Captain(s)<br /></li><li>Debate Team</li></ul></div><div>Debaters from each department will be organized in squads under the direction of the advisor. Each squad should elect a captain. Advisors and captains will organize departmental sessions, with advisors offering specific training or review, and squads discussing debate topics, practicing the forms and techniques of debate, and auditioning for participation in the college debate. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Squads and faculty advisors will select at least one team of two to represent their department at the college debate. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">3. General Members</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Members may choose not to audition for debate teams, but are still free to participate in general and departmental training sessions, and are very welcome to observe college debates. Members may be called upon to fill temporary or permanent positions in the executive, and are expected to help promote and manage events.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">V. Policies</span></div><div><ol><li>Membership and participation shall be voluntary.<br /></li><li>Members and officers shall behave with decorum at all times. <br /></li><li>Members and officers shall support and promote the aims of the Society.<br /></li><li>Members and officers shall create and sustain an atmosphere of openness, respect, and rigor during discussions, debates, and other communication.<br /></li><li>No participant shall be subject to censure for opinions or arguments offered in the course of the debate, except as these violate the "Rules of Debate."<br /></li><li>No participant shall be subject to mistreatment or persecution for opinions or arguments offered in the course of debates or discussions, formal or informal. <br /></li><li>Participants (debaters and observers) shall learn and observe the "Rules of Debate."<br /></li><li>Participants and officers will examine the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Gulf News</span> and other news sources regularly, remaining informed about current events and issues of interest to the Society. <br /></li><li>Officers shall fulfill their responsibilities assiduously (with careful attention).<br /></li><li>Faculty and faculty advisors will not use the Society to specifically supplement course content, though they should promote the society to interested students.<br /></li><li>The Society shall function subject to college and university policy.<br /></li><li>The Society shall seek to serve the educational aims of the college.<br /></li><li>Policies, schedules, and the structure of the Society may be amended as necessary according to the majority judgment of the executive or the majority vote of the membership.</li></ol><div>Additional articles, including descriptions and policies, will be added as necessary.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>(Japes)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17146313170100070016noreply@blogger.com0