In this article, the author examines the practice of the filibuster, using as the featured document the signed cloture motion in the Senate for an end to the filibuster to block the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The accompanying teaching activities enable teachers to introduce their classes to the history and practice of the filibuster. (Contains 1…

On the morning of September 1, 1960, Herb Klein and Pierre Salinger met in the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., to discuss the details of what would be the first televised presidential debate. Klein was press secretary for Republican candidate Vice President Richard Nixon and Salinger was press secretary for Democratic candidate Senator John…

Reviews the history of the National Debate Tournament (NDT) and discusses its positions regarding fundamental issues confronting intercollegiate debate. Suggests that participation in the NDT may not be appropriate for all schools. (PA)

This paper discusses the history, format, implementation, and effectiveness of Student Congress, a legislative session where students debate state, national, or international issues. The first part of the paper discusses the history of the Student Congress in the United States, noting that as it has grown as a national event, its importance as a…

Proposes that a direct and authoritative challenge to the scientific racism of the late eighteenth and early twentieth centuries was urgently needed, and was one of the leading rhetorical contributions of W.E.B. DuBois. Specifically examines three issues: social Darwinism, the eugenics movement, and psychologists' measurement of intelligence.…

Offers a historical perspective on the problems that plague policy debate. Reviews the recent evolution of competitive intercollegiate debate. Draws four conclusions from the analysis and makes suggestions for the future of debate. (PRA)

Sketches a brief history of the 1858 debates and analyzes their argumentative patterns. Speculates about the transformation of controversial questions through public debate. (PD)

Presents a history of the American Forensic Association regarding its splintering within the forensic community. Discusses the incorporation of the National Individual Events Tournament (NIET). Considers how the NIET Committee has encouraged research projects related to forensic pedagogy as well as other issues related to forensics. (NH)

Examines the variety of ways in which Americans in the 1930s participated in adult education, including the Lyceum Movement, the New York Free Lecture System, and public forums (the Bryson-Studebaker version of the Lyceum). Also discusses the first "Handbook of Adult Education." (CT)

Traces the organization of the American Forensic Association beginning in the fall of 1948 when the need for a national organization was agreed upon and questions were addressed concerning nature and scope. Discusses early debates about debate, the North Central Report recommending the abolition of all interscholastic contests except athletics,…

Focuses on the 1858 election campaign in which Abraham Lincoln opposed Stephen A. Douglas, examining the function and role of political reporters at the time, the press's relationship with candidates, and the contribution of reporters and the press to the public's knowledge and understanding of the candidates and the issues. (Author/GT)

Reviews the events, studies, and comments (from 1960 to the present) regarding the controversial question of who won the first 1960 televised debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. Supports the view that, for television viewers, Kennedy was the winner, whereas radio listeners gave Nixon the edge. (SR)

States that Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam relied heavily upon debate as a form of public address through which to enact and publicize confrontation with other civil rights organizations. Examines Malcolm X's first experience and training in debate as a prison inmate and later public experiences. Provides detailed accounts and analysis of his…

Examines the process of "spin control" (in which partisans provide commentary on campaign events) and presents a taxonomy of it. Illustrates how both campaigns used the process in relation to the first 1988 presidential debate. Concludes that the Bush commentary was coordinated with the overall Republican campaign strategy, whereas the…

Presents a brief bibliographical study in order (1) to provide future historians with some hints about where to locate materials, and (2) to encourage the American Forensic Association to continue its recent efforts to collect materials and deposit them in a well-maintained historical archive. (NH)