Counterplans have become commonplace in intercollegiate debate, yet misconceptions abound. This article attempts to integrate thinking about counterplans with general debate theory. It reexamines the issue of topicality and sketches the basis for comparison of affirmative proposals with negative counterplans in the areas of presumption, inherency,…

Presents a theory of debate as a comparison of policy systems, a theory which satisfies the unique speech act requirements of discussing policy proposals. Describes the basic model and illustrates it by reference to the interpretation of "should" propositions and the analysis of burdens of proof. (JMF)

Suggests using debate in a composition class to teach decision-making skills, values clarification, and careful articulation of personal thoughts and opinions. (MKM)

An agenda-setting effect of the first Ford-Carter debate on college student viewers is demonstrated. Subjects who viewed the debate seem to have effected a synthesis between their personal priorities and the relative weight accorded issues in the debate. (JMF)

In order to expose graduate students to issues confronting and being confronted by nursing, the Great Debate was conceived at the University of Alabama School of Nursing (Birmingham). For two years, in the fall quarter, approximately 65 students in five major clinical specialty areas, by exploring current issues, have engaged in two 2-hour debate…

Details an activity designed to motivate students by incorporating science-related issues into a classroom debate. Includes "The Acid Rain Bill" and "Position Guides" for student roles as committee members, consumers, governors, industry owners, tourism professionals, senators, and debate directors. (DKM)

Introduces a dynamic form of the case instruction method that involves debate and compromise. Discusses two versions of structured controversy and presents an example of structured controversy that involves the use of DNA fingerprinting in forensic medicine. (JRH)

Includes the following articles: "Extending the Conversation: Continuity and Change with Debate and Forensics Organization Entering the 21st Century"; "'Speak a New World!' Cross Examination Debate Association"; "Parliamentary Debate as Public Debate"; "Good People Speaking Well: Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa…

Presents a conversation with Gerald Graff and Ira Shor that draws on Graff's notion of "teaching the conflicts"--which argues that students should be exposed to the conflicts inherent in disciplines--and on Shor's belief in the liberatory power of teaching, namely, the power to question the status quo in the tradition of Paulo Freire.…

Nationwide, debate teams provide an outlet for low income, inner city students. The creator of the Urban Debate League believes that if students could use words to tackle issues and get the attention of decisionmakers, they would not need to use their fists. Participants find that urban debate is transformative, enhancing students' analytical…

Examines classroom situations which allow for learning of rules of mathematical reasoning. Findings indicate that debate about mathematical rules can be generated amongst students ages 12 to 13 through the study of a mathematical problem. Argues that it is necessary for the teacher to conclude the debate. Contains 10 references. (JRH)

Describes using television commercials of opposing products or political positions in a mock courtroom debate to address advertising as a mode of discourse that must be recognized and analyzed. (RS)

Analyzes the visual and verbal content of the 1984 televised debates between Walter Mondale and Ronald Reagan. Asserts that the televised depiction of the debates visually structured portions of them in a manner inconsistent with their verbal content. Focuses on clash, when candidates engaged in arguments of attack or defense. (MS)

Discusses the function of media nihilism--the rhetoric of "crisis and failure"--in the 1988 Presidential Debates. Examines journalists' debate questions, noting that they painted an almost wholly negative portrait of America. Suggests that the candidate who effectively "skewers" the media on its own hypocrisy should be declared…

Examines the journalistic analysis of the 1988 Presidential Debates from a feminist perspective in order to identify the revisions needed in the debate process. Provides historical background of feminized power and adversarial advocacy. (MM)