Argues that a deleterious effect of increased use of online databases in academic debate is the change in the nature of information available to debaters and corresponding changes in ideological assumptions in argumentation. Examines the link between debate training and argumentative proficiency in a democracy. Foresees the likely consequences of…

Replies to another article in this issue by Robert Tucker. Argues that Tucker's view of how debaters research is limited. Suggests that his argument relies on a skewed view of the nature of electronic resources. States that Tucker's argument is grounded in a misperception of the nature of the free marketplace of ideas and its role within a…

Responds to a reply to this author's article in this issue. Identifies the four significant points of difference in the two arguments and examines each point. Reiterates the author's initial arguments. (PA)

Applies the Functional Theory of Political Campaign Discourse to the 1988 presidential debates between George Bush and Michael Dukakis. Challenges the notion that this campaign was mostly negative. Concludes that despite the belief that modern campaigns are devoid of substance, these debates stressed policy about twice as much as character. (SG)

In this study, the arguments surrounding the drug legalization debate are synthesized into a proposal for future research. Such a proposal illustrates that the core elements surrounding drug legalization are not only testable, but that the time may be right to consider such an empirical effort. (Author)

Supports a call for Debate Across the Curriculum (DAC) by: (1) identifying the strongest arguments for Communication Across the Curriculum (CAC); (2) outlining the research concerning the benefits of participation in competitive debate; and (3) drawing on research in educational psychology. (NH)

Examines case studies highlighting accountability, and relates accountability to concepts of responsibility and duty of care. Presents arguments against holding librarians accountable for misinformation, namely, the lack of contract between librarian and patron and the distinction drawn between information intermediaries (librarians) and knowledge…

Considers how recent court rulings have made incidents of sexual harassment more worrisome for professors, particularly those who coach students in forensics (individual speaking events and intercollegiate debate extra-curricular activities). Finds that sexual harassment is widespread in forensics, that women are harassed more than men, and that…

Studies generally undergo an evaluation process before they are accepted for publication in an academic journal, presented at a conference, or released by a think tank. This article discusses the release of unreviewed research that sparks debate over the need for tighter peer-review mechanisms. Researchers from two of the nation's most eminent…

Debates over the nature and extent of globalization raise many issues to be addressed in a geographic education. In this paper, I briefly review case method instruction and role-play as teaching strategies suitable for material on globalization and other geographic subject matter, and then sketch an overview of an undergraduate geography role-play…

Commitment is combined to classic learning with innovative citizenship education grounded in public debate by the Northtown Academy campus of Chicago International Charter School (CICS). KIPP Academics rely on academic pressure and tough love to help students meet state standards.

Objective: To learn about candidates for a political office by presenting and listening to speeches about the candidates and their platforms. Type of speech: Informative. Point value: 100 points, which is 10% of course grade. Requirements: (a) References: Minimum of 3 from recent and varying publications; (b) Length: 5-7 minutes; (c) Visual aid:…

Using the arguments over college admissions as a point of departure, this article analyzes the idea of merit in education. Situating the concept of merit historically and philosophically, it advances the argument that merit should be considered not as an individual construct but as an institutional one. The debates over merit focus on which…

"Internationalisation", the growing border-crossing activities between national systems of higher education is losing ground to "globalisation", increasing border-crossing activities of blurred national systems which is often employed to depict world-wide trends and growing global competition. This article addresses recent issues of knowledge…

We introduced a debate-style tutorial exercise into the third-year tutorial classes with the purpose of developing the students' logic, broadening their vision and encouraging them to express their opinions in public, before an audience. The issues for debate included medical (dental) and non-medical topics. Two separate debate exercises were…