The Arena: Debate and Discourse is a year-long high school course designed to help students find their voice, sharpen their thinking, and learn how to engage important ideas with confidence and respect. In a culture where conversations can quickly turn reactive or shallow, this class trains students to slow down, think carefully, and speak with clarity and conviction. Stepping into “the arena” means learning to stand for what you believe — thoughtfully, logically, and graciously.

First Semester: Lincoln-Douglas Value Debate

During the first semester, students focus on Lincoln-Douglas Value Debate, inspired by the historic exchanges between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Using the NCFCA Comprehensive Guide to Value Debate, students learn how to wrestle with big questions about truth, justice, morality, and public policy.

Students will:

Build structured, persuasive cases

Learn how to question and cross-examine effectively

Practice logical reasoning and clear organization

Develop strong refutation skills

Strengthen confidence through regular impromptu speaking

The emphasis is not simply on “winning” arguments, but on understanding ideas deeply and responding thoughtfully under pressure. Through practice debates and guided feedback, students grow in composure, clarity, and intellectual discipline.

Second Semester: Public Speaking & Introduction to Team Policy Debate

In the second semester, the course shifts toward public speaking and collaborative debate. Using the NCFCA Foundations of Speech Guide, students refine their delivery, strengthen their stage presence, and learn how to connect meaningfully with an audience.

Students will prepare and present:

Apologetic speeches that defend truth claims with reason and evidence

Platform speeches that inform, challenge, or inspire

Interpretive speeches that bring powerful literature to life

Students will also receive an introduction to Team Policy Debate, where they begin learning how to research complex issues, construct policy cases, and work strategically with a partner. This unit introduces the foundations of policy argumentation while continuing to build strong communication skills.

By the end of the year, students will not only be stronger speakers and thinkers, but more confident communicators prepared to engage ideas with courage and grace. The Arena: Debate and Discourse challenges students to step forward — not just to speak, but to think deeply, listen carefully, and engage the world with wisdom.