Class Syllabus 2018-2019

Speech & Debate Natasha Carpenter

Head Coach/0 Hour Teacher
Room #023
Phone: (509) 354-6939
Email: natashac@spokaneschools.org

Cara Heath Willow Smith

0 Hour Teacher Assistant Coach
Welcome! Below you will find a description of what to expect this school year. Please discuss this with your
parents/guardians. This year will prove to be exciting and challenging. We look forward to working with all of you.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the various types of forensics
events within a classroom and in a competitive atmosphere. Students will be able to
learn about the different types of forensics events within a classroom setting and then
apply those concepts in a tournament competition throughout the semester. Students
will have to do original research to complete their assignments.
Debate: Congress, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and Policy
Individual Events: Humorous, Dramatic, Duo, POI, Extemporaneous, Impromptu, Expository,
and Original Oratory
Grades
Percentage Letter Grade Grade Point
93-100% A 4
90-92% A- 3.7
The highest grade a student
87-89% B+ 3.3
may earn on proficient late
83-86% B 3 work is 70%. Late work may
80-82% B- 2.7 be turned in up to two weeks
77-79% C+ 2.3 past the due date. Please
73-76% C 2 note that no late work will be
70-72% C- 1.7 accepted during the last week
67-69% D+ 1.3 of the semester as grades are
60-66% D 1 being finalized.
Below 60% F 0

Homework & Make-Up Work

You will have homework for this class, some of which you can do during practices. You will
need access to the internet and computers for some of it, as well.

You are responsible for collecting any work missed during your absence.

If a student misses an assignment due to a school sponsored event, it is their duty to make
necessary arrangements with the teacher in advance. Students who have an unexcused
absence will lose credit for all work during that class period.
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Method of Evaluation & Major Assignments/Performances
Attend and participate in class activities. Class absences are excused in accordance with Spokane School
district and school regulations as stated in your student planner. You will not be able to make up
assignments if you have an unexcused absence.
Students who do not follow team rules or guidelines may be asked to complete alternate assignments in
place of tournament attendance for the good of the team. Note that this may affect your grade.

Speech & Debate Options:

Novice (Class) Option 1:
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Attend and observe 3 tournaments (two 1st semester and one 2nd semester). Student must write a 1 page, double-spaced
report on the event and overall tournament experience
You will be required to prepare and present one interpretative event (humorous, dramatic, POI, or duo) in class. AND
You will be required to prepare and present one prepared speech (expository or original oratory) in class.
You will be required to prepare and present one impromptu (semester 1 for a FINAL grade) and one extemporaneous speech
(semester 2 for a FINAL grade) in class.
You will be required to prepare and present 2 student congress legislation (bill,
You will be required to prepare Lincoln-Douglas or Public Forum cases along with the team.
You will be allowed to participate in 1 tournament fully paid for by the team. If you choose to participate in extra tournaments,
you will be fined for the events you signed up for.
You will be required to turn-in assigned classwork/binder.
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.

Novice Option 2:
You will be required to compete in a total of 6 events (this can include competing in the same event at different tournaments).
More tournaments will be made available if you wish to attend and if it is possible to take you. In order to attend tournaments
you must be deemed tournament ready.
You will be required to prepare and present one interpretative event (humorous, dramatic, POI, or duo) at a tournament.
AND / OR
You will be required to prepare and present one prepared speech (extemporaneous, expository, impromptu, or original
oratory) at a tournament.
You will be required to prepare and present one impromptu and one extemporaneous speech in class.
You will be required to prepare and present 2 student congress legislation (due January).
You will be required to attend 4 practice sessions after school, lasting about 30 minutes each.
You will be required to turn-in assigned classwork / binder.
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.
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Junior Varsity Option:
You will be required to compete in a total of 10 events (this can include competing in the same event at different
tournaments). Open/JV Debate and 1 Individual Event. In order to attend tournaments you must be deemed tournament
ready.
You will be required to prepare and present one dramatic event (poetry, prose, humorous/dramatic, or duo) in class. OR
You will be required to prepare and present one prepared speech (informative or original oration) in class.
You will be required to prepare and present one impromptu and one extemporaneous speech in class (one per
semester).
You will be required to prepare and present student congress legislation.
You will be required to attend 5 practice sessions after school, lasting about 30 minutes each.
You will be required to turn-in assigned classwork/binder.
In order to take this option, you must complete all the assignments listed in its entirety.
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.

Open/Varsity Option:
You will be required to compete in a total of 15 events (this can include competing in the same event at different
tournaments). Open Debate and 2 Individual Events. In order to attend tournaments you must be deemed tournament
ready.
You will be required to prepare and present one dramatic event (poetry, prose, humorous/dramatic, or duo) in class.
You will be required to prepare and present one prepared speech (informative or original oration) in class.
You will be required to prepare and present one impromptu and one extemporaneous speech in class (one per
semester).
You will be required to prepare and present student congress legislation.
You will be required to attend 8 practice sessions after school, lasting about 45 minutes each.
You will be required to turn-in assigned classwork/binder.
In order to take this option, you must complete all the assignments listed in its entirety.
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.

Instructor Policies:
1. This class is part of a team. We expect you to work together for the common good and to help each other out as needed. Working against a
teammate is unacceptable.
2. Come ready to work and learn.
3. Be responsible by keeping track of assignment due dates, performance dates, and tournament dates.
4. Be NICE! Show respect for classmates, teachers, and fellow competitors.
6. Ask questions if you have them.
7. Remember to put your name on assignments and label your binder. No name could mean a “0” for your grade on the assignment.
8. Do your own work. Make sure you read the definition of plagiarism in your handbooks. Do not “create” evidence. This would result in a “0”
on the assignment and suspension from the team for a period of time.
9. Check LCHS Speech & Debate Team Handbook for additional rules. You are responsible for them.
10. Practice sessions will be held after school (3:30 – 4:30) by appointment.
11. This is a communication class, and we want you to feel comfortable talking in the class room. You learn more by expressing yourself on
the topics discussed. BUT, talking off task or distracting the class is not acceptable. We will let you know if your behavior is not acceptable and
expect for you to correct it. If necessary, we reserve the right to write you up and/or talk to your parents.
12. You will receive additional materials which will include a list of lettering requirements, N.C.F.L. membership requirements, and travel
schedule. Failure to return the form prohibits you from traveling with the team.
13. Family ID completed.
14. This syllabus is subject to change if the circumstances warrant it.
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This class will give you the opportunity to:
1. Develop efficient research skills through effective use of library and computer facilities by finding materials for
competition
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences in forensics events
3. Take sound arguments using logic and reasoning
4. Cut dramatic pieces efficiently and effectively to maintain a coherent storyline within time limits
5. Demonstrate organization and signposting skills while speaking
6. Adapt delivery style after observing and analyzing judges
7. Develop a working knowledge of current affairs through the maintenance of an extemporaneous file
8. Keep a neat and organized set of files containing evidence for extemporaneous
9. Keep an open mind when exploring new issues and arguments in order to better understand those issues and
arguments
10. Develop communication skills which emphasize fluency, persuasion, and dramatic intent.
11. Become familiar with parliamentary procedure
12. Learn how to write legislation for student congress
13. Refute opposing arguments through the use of evidence, logic, and reasoning

Make Sure:
q Your parent/guardian sign the Signature Page
q Your parent/guardian fills out Family ID
q Check out www.tigersdebate.weebly.com
q Sign-up for messages at REMIND 101 (text the phone number 81010 @ LCSPEE)
Communication

Email is the quickest and easiest way for us to communicate with you about your
achievement in my class. However, you may also call or meet with Carpenter as
well. I will be available most lunches and afternoons. Just Ask! Contact
information is located at the beginning of the syllabus.
**No extra credit assignments will be
given to an individual student to be

q used to improve grades unless a

teacher decides to give an extra credit
option to the entire class.**

Looking forward to this semester…

 Student Notebook Set-Up:
This Speech & Debate notebook will allow you to create a resource to use as you continue to extend your learning. This
notebook will work as a textbook for you. You will record information and process it to improve your level of understanding.
As you learn new ideas, you can use several types of writing and graphic techniques to record them. Then you will do
something with those ideas. In doing so you will use critical-thinking skills to organize and process information. As a result,
you can become more creative, more independent thinkers, and you will develop a deeper understanding of the information
being taught (Ayati, 2006).
- Ayati, M. (2006). Interactive notebook strategies. Retrieved June 27, 2006 from http://www.lmsvsd.k12.ca.us/schools/lmm/cougars/mayati/The%20Interactive%2
0Notebook.htm
Purpose: Organization, Reflection, & Accountability

You Will Need:

1. Notebook 1”- 1 ½”
2. Notebook Dividers:
Section 1: Tournament:
Section 2: Debate Classwork
Section 3: Speech Classwork
Section 4: Class Manuals/Forms

Your Notebook Should Follow The Following Format:

1. Your name on the front and side of the notebook.
2. Cover Page
3. Assignment Calendar
4. Notebook Dividers:
Section 1: Tournament
Tournament Reflection (1 for debate and 1 for each speech event)
Judge Ballots

Section 2: Debate Classwork

*Send cases via Google Drive
Practice rounds flows
Practice rounds judges notes
Any assigned classwork

Section 3: Speech Classwork

*Send speeches via Google Drive
Practice rounds judges notes
Any assigned classwork

Section 4: Class Manuals/Form

Class Syllabus
Class Handbook

Criteria:
1. All assignments need to be clearly labeled with the activity or class assignment (i.e. CUTTING CARDS) and dated at the top of the page.
2. If worked is turned in via Google Drive, it must be clearly stated and highlighted on the Assignment Calendar.
3. Pages should be hole-punched neatly.
4. No ripped out, torn, or stained pages.
5. No doodling that doesn’t relate to notes or classwork.
6. Binders need to be turned-in by 2:45 PM on the DUE date.
7. Deductions for Lateness or Lack of Chronological Order: If you have forgotten to bring your notebook for the particular class when
binders are due, you may bring it by the very next calendar day, but a letter grade will be deducted from your binder score for that
check.
8. Any section that is found to be out of chronological order will cause a 10% reduction in the overall score of a binder evaluation.
9. Each time your binder is evaluated it will constitute a test grade. Binder checks are always announced and scheduled ahead of time so
you are able to meet the due date.
Option and Student & Parent Signature Page
Please read the statements below, fill-in the appropriate option, sign & date:
Return this page to your course instructor/coach.
You have until September 21st to make this decision.

Novice Statement:
I have read and understand the policies as outlined for classroom grade option: Novice (Class) Option 1 and Novice Option
2. I understand that Novice Option 1 is a minimal competition option which means that I will observe 3 tournaments. I
also understand that Novice Option 2 is the more competitive option which means that I will attend 3 tournaments. After
consideration, I with the consent of my parents and/or guardians have decided to take Option
_____________________. I further realize that if I do not make a choice, the instructors/coaches will automatically
assign option 1 to determine my grade.

J V & Varsity Statements:

I have read and understand the policies as outlined for classroom grade option: Junior Varsity, and Varsity. After
consideration, I with the consent of my parents and/or guardians have decided to take Option
_____________________. I further realize that if I do not make a choice, the instructors/coaches will assign an
option to determine my grade.

Academic Integrit y Statement

Academic Honesty:1
Academic honesty is demonstrated by students when the ideas and the writing of others are properly cited; students submit their own
work for tests and assignments without unauthorized assistance; students do not provide unauthorized assistance to others; and
students report their research or accomplishments accurately. Should a student decide to engage in academic dishonesty, the
following procedure will be followed:
1. Discussion between teacher and student
2. Contact home
3. Inform counselor and administrator
4. Incident will be logged into PowerSchool
5. Student’s other teachers will be notified

1 The School For Ethical Education – Integrity Works! – www.ethicsed.org

The coaches of the Lewis & Clark High School Debate Team will not tolerate acts of cheating, plagiarism, falsification, multiple
submissions, attempting or assisting with an academic integrity violation. If we become aware of a potential academic integrity
violation, we will meet with you following the procedures outlined in the Academic Integrity policy. Should we determine that an
academic integrity violation has taken place, we reserve the right to assign a grade penalty up to and including an F for the course.

_____________________________________
Natasha Carpenter

_____________________________________ _________________________________
Student Name Student Signature

_____________________________________ __________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date