The goal of this booklet is to assist debaters in developing problem-solving skills as represented in the 1976-77 debate topic: How can the criminal justice system in the United States best be improved? The sections of this document focus on the need for criminal justice reform; procedural steps in the criminal justice system; discussing or…

This paper focuses on the alternative-justification approach to debate, seeks to explore some of the objections to this approach, and considers several of the basic assumptions made by its supporters. The alternative-justification theory of debate is based on the assumption that any given question under debate has a number of affirmative plans and…

At the second annual Cal-State Hayward Conference in Rhetorical Criticism, upper division and graduate students from 17 colleges and universities presented papers on the theory, history, and criticism of rhetoric. Panels of faculty members from the same colleges and universities, serving as editor-critics, judged the six papers in this volume as…

At the sixth annual Cal-State Hayward Conference in Rhetorical Criticism, upper division and graduate students from 11 western colleges and universities presented papers on the theory, history, and criticism of rhetoric. Panels of faculty members from the same colleges and universities selected the three best papers for commendation and…

This ERIC information analysis paper provides high school debaters and their teachers with guidelines for research on the debate resolutions selected by the National University Extension Association's Committee on Discussion and Debate. Focusing on the problem of health care of U.S. citizens, the material included in this paper is divided into…

Reports that, for Dutch viewers, the televised debates between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter helped develop a presidential preference, regardless of the viewers' own political orientations, and that the debates may have benefited Carter. (GW)

Describes the planning and carrying-out of a debate between two upper-level French classes. Gives suggestions for each step of the preparation and performance, including some alternative possibilities. Some mention is made also of the use of debate in grades 8-10. (IFS/WGA)

In 1823, a series of events, centering around a slave rebellion in Demerara, had a significant impact on the developing rhetoric of anti-slavery in England. This impact and the Parliamentary debates which resulted from the uprising are examined. (JF)

Draws a connection between Gallie's essentially contested concepts and Aristotle's account of rhetorical argument by presenting a definition of Essentially Contested Argument which is used as the connecting term between rhetoric and essentially contested concepts and by demonstrating the value of making this connection. (JF)

Presents opposing viewpoints on the issue of whether women's colleges are the best way for educating women. Considers the effects of coeducation and how women develop in both situations as students and as individuals. (RK)

Asserts that policy debate is declining, mainly because of incomprehensible argumentation and speaking. Claims that judges should intervene in the debate process to demand certain minimums of effective argument. Advocates the creation of a debate coach organization that would establish general norms for judging behavior. (MM)

This article summarizes the 1986 Midwinter Meeting of the American Library Association (ALA) held in Chicago, Illinois, January 18-23. Discussion covers debate over Lacy Report, censorship, ALA's financial situation, divestiture and the ALA endowment, debate among ALA candidates, federal matters, continuing education, service to members, and…

Discusses the use of mythical images to create a transcendent vision of order and analyzes the efforts of a leading Irish speaker as he argued against legislative union with Great Britain in 1800. (VLC)

A classroom exercise that involves college students in portraying individuals studied in a history of psychology course is described. Working in teams, students develop a presentation allowing figures from different time periods to discuss and debate psychological issues. Students also prepare a bibliography and position summary of the individual…

Argues that the "Multiple Preference System" in assigning debate judges should be discontinued because it is unfair, discriminatory, and perpetuates ethnocentric responses. Recommends a nonevaluative system of judge assignment. (PD)