Debate Class Catalogue

Below are descriptions of the Westfield debate class offerings for the academic year. Class placement is roughly based on age, but all classes can accommodate slightly older or younger students with instructor consent.

Please note that all classes require at least 6 registrants to run. In the unlikely case that registration for a class falls short of that number, the class will not run.

 

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 Youngest Debaters

 

Thursday Speechmakers

Age: 8-10 year olds

Time: Thursdays 5:00-6:00 PM

Schedule:
Fall Term: September 7, 2023 - January 11, 2024
Spring Term: January 18, 2024 - May 16, 2024

Teacher: Eira Prakash

Description: This one-hour introductory debate and public speaking class is for our youngest students. The goals of this class are to help students feel comfortable with public speaking and to teach them the basics of debate. Students will learn the fundamentals of debate and public speaking from instructors and from in-class debates in a supportive and respectful environment.


 Middle School Debaters

Monday Proponents

Age: 10-14 year olds

Time: Mondays 4:00-6:00 PM

Schedule:
Fall Term: September 11, 2023 - January 8, 2024
Spring Term: January 22, 2024 - May 20, 2024

Teacher: Julie Mulligan

Description: This class is a longer version of Thursday Orators (2 hrs vs. 1.5 hrs). See next full description. In addition to a focus on improving and refining general public speaking and oral argumentation skills, the extra time allows for additional exploration of debate strategy and logic. Debate topics include current events, philosophy and politics.These classes are appropriate for beginning as well as experienced students of debate. Classes will be subdivided based on experience.

Thursday Orators

Age: 10-14 year olds

Time: Thursdays 4:30-6:00 PM

Schedule:
Fall Term: September 7, 2023 - January 11, 2024
Spring Term: January 18, 2024 - May 16, 2024

Teacher: Julie Mulligan

Description: Classes focus on improving and refining general public speaking and oral argumentation skills. We concentrate on learning how to construct persuasive arguments and an emphasis is placed on having each student debate frequently. Debate topics span a wide range, including current events, philosophy and politics. These classes are appropriate for beginning as well as experienced students of debate. Classes will be subdivided based on experience.

 

High School Debaters

Monday Rhetoricians

Age: 14-18 year olds

Time: Mondays 6:15-8:45 PM

Schedule:
Fall Term: September 11, 2023 - January 8, 2024
Spring Term: January 22, 2024 - May 20, 2024

Teachers: Evan Streams, Ryan Lafferty

Description: This class consists of two different sections:  an advanced program for experienced high school debaters and a more introductory program that focuses on developing and improving general debating skills. An emphasis is placed on preparing for local and global competitions (although it is not mandatory to compete). Debaters are encouraged to develop an understanding of many disciplines such as economics, current events, history, geopolitics, philosophy and international affairs.

 Can’t find a class that works for your child? Try exploring our Build Your Own Class options

Fall Semester Classes

Spring Semester Classes

Holiday/No Classes