Forensics Union
2007-2008 Policy Resolution: The United States Federal Government should increase its constructive engagement with the government of one or more of the following countries: Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, and Syria, and it should include offering them a security guarantee(s) and/or a substantial increase in foreign assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the Debate Team do?
- Who can join?
- What's in it for me?
- Is there course credit available?
- Are debate scholarships available?
- What does it cost?
- What if I'm nervous about speaking in public?!
- How much time will I need to commit to debate?
- Maybe I'll try debate later...
- When does the team meet?
- Who should I contact for more info?
What does the Debate Team do?
The principle activity of the ASU Forensics Union, often referred to as the Debate Team, is intercollegiate debate competition. Participating students research, write arguments, and practice debating to prepare for tournament competition. We travel throughout the United States to compete with students from hundreds of other colleges and universities. We participate in team topic policy debate and belong to the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA), American Forensics Association (AFA), and the national forensics fraternity, Pi Kappa Delta.
The ASU debate team also organizes and hosts on-campus events, for example conducting public debates for ASU and the community. We are eager to form campus partnerships in the promotion of debate.
Who can join?
Any ASU undergraduate. No debate experience is required. You do not have to be a communication major, often we have a wide variety of political science, psychology, business, and philosophy students. In tournaments, debaters compete with other students with similar experience levels. There are no try-outs, students earn coaching time and travel privileges through their own work and commitment. Our coaches work with you every step of the way to prepare you for successful participation.
What's in it for me?
The debate experience offers tremendous opportunities for learning and personal growth. In addition to gaining content area knowledge, debaters develop and refine their academic skills including:
- Critical and creative thinking
- Personal advocacy
- Problem-solving
- Research and information gathering
- Language and writing
- Public speaking and presentation
- Dealing with pressure situations
- Organization and argument development
- Teamwork and social interaction
- Computer and debate office access
Perhaps most importantly, debate is FUN! Debate itself is a fun, strategic game. Debaters compete for national recognition and travel to all corners of the country. They form lasting relationships with a diverse and intellectual group of peers and future leaders.
Finally, debate is a terrific training ground for graduate and professional life. Many ASU Alumni attribute their successful careers as attorneys, doctors, engineers, teachers, business people, public relations and advertising executives, academics and politicians to their debate experience.
Is there course credit available?
YES! Students may take COM 2115, a one-credit course offered every semester for debate team members. COM 2115 students are required to attend meetings, participate in research and practice, and attend three tournaments. Permission from the Director, Kris Willis, and a completed contract form are required.
Are debate scholarships available?
YES! Students may earn scholarships through their commitment to the debate team.
What does it cost?
Time and energy. The debate team covers the expenses of travel and most supplies. Some extra-food money is advised.
What if I'm nervous about speaking in public?!
Relax, almost everyone is nervous about public speaking! Debate can help you with this- there is no better time than now to practice for your future. As a beginning debater, your audiences will typically consist of your two opponents and your partner (who is also new), and one faculty debate judge. And you will be so focused on what you need to say, you will not have any attention left to commit to being nervous. Debate is a process, a great way to build-up incrementally and gradually, to speaking before larger audiences. Debate develops confidence!
How much time will I need to commit to debate?
This will vary. The most experienced championship debaters will think of debate as a full-time job, committing many hours everyday to their research and preparation. For beginners, 4-6 hours a week is a typical minimum expectation.
Maybe I'll try debate later...
Don't wait! Now is the time to start. We will be careful to make sure you get settled into your class schedule. But work on the year's topic starts in early August and the other beginning debaters whom you will be competing are starting now. Don't get behind. And the sooner you start, the farther you will have the opportunity to go, to win!
When does the team meet?
There are small group meetings going on almost every day, between partners, squad members, and the coaches. Regular meetings will be on Monday night from 6-8 PM in Walker Hall Room 107 (the Debate Office).
Who should I contact for more info?
Contact Kris Willis, the Director of Forensics, or Miriam Willis, the Assistant Coach, and consider signing up for COM 2115. Or just show up at a Monday night meeting!
Kris: Walker Hall 107, (828) 262-8371, williskw@appstate.edu
Miriam: Walker Hall 107, (828) 262-7527, willismr@appstate.edu
