Speech and Debate

This course is designed to develop students’ communication and critical thinking skills through structured speaking and argumentation experiences. Students will prepare and deliver a variety of speeches and actively participate in in-class debates. Emphasis is placed on effective organization of ideas, confident performance, analytical listening, and the evaluation of arguments. Students should expect frequent opportunities to speak in front of their peers as they build confidence, clarity, and persuasive communication skills.

This course is a competitive, performance-based course designed for students who are committed to participating in junior high speech and debate tournaments outside of regular school hours. Students will develop advanced communication and critical thinking skills through the preparation and delivery of speeches and active participation in structured debates.

Instruction emphasizes effective organization of information, confident performance, analytical listening, and the construction and evaluation of arguments. Students should expect frequent speaking opportunities in front of peers and will apply classroom learning in competitive settings to strengthen skills in public speaking, persuasion, and academic discourse.

This course is designed to introduce students to the foundations of communication both written and spoken. Students will study and This course introduces students to the foundations of effective communication in both written and spoken forms. Students will study and practice the processes of public speaking, writing, and research while developing skills in organizing ideas, delivering presentations, and communicating clearly and confidently.

Emphasis is placed on building confidence and reducing anxiety related to speaking in front of an audience. Students will learn practical communication techniques that can be applied in future coursework and real-world situations, supporting success in academic, professional, and personal settings.

This course provides an in-depth study of the public speaking and writing processes, with an emphasis on advanced research, analysis, and presentation skills. Students will apply these processes through speaking and writing projects that require higher levels of research, critical thinking, and organization.

The course is taught in a manner similar to a college-level speech course, preparing students for the expectations of postsecondary coursework. Techniques developed in this course support success in future classes, professional environments, and real-world communication situation

Fundamentals of Speech is an introductory course focused on the principles of effective public speaking and active listening. The course is designed to build confidence in self-expression and strengthen interpersonal communication skills.

Students will prepare, organize, and deliver oral messages across a variety of real-life communication situations. Emphasis is placed on audience analysis, the listening process, and clarity of expression, providing students with practical communication skills applicable to academic, professional, and everyday contexts.

ritical thinking, and analytical reasoning skills. The course provides students with hands-on experience in a competitive debate environment while strengthening public speaking abilities, logical reasoning, philosophical analysis, and research skills.

This course is both writing- and research-intensive and is recommended for college-bound students. Students are required to compete in a minimum of three tournaments during the fall semester and two tournaments during the spring semester, applying classroom instruction in formal competitive settings.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate II is an advanced course designed for students who wish to further develop their skills in competitive Lincoln-Douglas debate. The course focuses on advanced debate techniques, oratory, extemporaneous speaking, and in-depth research and analysis of four Lincoln-Douglas debate topics that will be contested during the school year at tournaments.

Students will refine argument construction, evidence evaluation, and persuasive delivery while applying these skills in competitive settings. Participation in competition is required, with students expected to compete in a minimum of four tournaments during the fall semester and three tournaments during the spring semester.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate III is an advanced, competitive course designed for experienced debaters seeking to further refine high-level Lincoln-Douglas debate skills. The course emphasizes advanced debate strategies, oratory, extemporaneous speaking, and intensive research and analysis of four Lincoln-Douglas debate topics that will be debated throughout the school year at tournaments.

Students will continue to strengthen argument development, philosophical reasoning, evidence evaluation, and persuasive delivery through sustained competitive practice. Participation in tournaments is required, with students expected to compete in a minimum of four tournaments per semester.

incoln-Douglas Debate IV is an advanced, capstone-level course designed for highly experienced debaters. The course focuses on advanced Lincoln-Douglas debate techniques, oratory, extemporaneous speaking, and intensive research and analysis of four Lincoln-Douglas debate topics that will be debated throughout the school year at tournaments.

Students will refine sophisticated argumentation, philosophical analysis, and persuasive delivery while engaging in sustained competitive practice. Participation in tournaments is required, with students expected to compete in a minimum of four tournaments per semester. In addition, students will complete a major research project that demonstrates advanced mastery of research, writing, and analytical reasoning skills.

Public Forum Debate I is recommended for students interested in career fields that require strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Throughout the school year, students will research and debate six nationally selected topics, developing the ability to analyze current issues and construct persuasive arguments.

Students will work with a partner in a team-based debate format, strengthening speaking, research, writing, and critical thinking skills. This course is both writing- and research-intensive and is recommended for college-bound students. Participation in competition is required, with students expected to compete in a minimum of three tournaments during the fall semester and two tournaments during the spring semester.

Public Forum Debate II builds upon foundational debate skills by further developing students’ speaking abilities, logical reasoning, and research skills through sustained competitive experience. Students will engage in in-depth research and debate of six nationally selected topics throughout the school year, refining argument construction, evidence evaluation, and persuasive delivery.

This course emphasizes advanced teamwork and strategic collaboration within the Public Forum format. Participation in competition is required, with students expected to compete in a minimum of four tournaments during the fall semester and three tournaments during the spring semester.

Public Forum Debate III is an advanced, competitive course designed for experienced debaters seeking to further refine their speaking, reasoning, and research skills through sustained competition. Students will engage in in-depth research and debate of six nationally selected topics throughout the school year, strengthening advanced argumentation, strategic thinking, and persuasive communication.

This course emphasizes high-level teamwork, strategic collaboration, and competitive performance within the Public Forum debate format. Participation in tournaments is required, with students expected to compete in a minimum of four tournaments per semester.

Public Forum Debate IV is an advanced, capstone-level course designed for highly experienced debaters. The course further develops students’ speaking skills, logical reasoning, and research abilities through sustained competitive practice. Students will engage in in-depth research and debate of six nationally selected topics throughout the year, refining advanced argumentation, strategic decision-making, and persuasive communication.

This course emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and high-level competitive performance within the Public Forum debate format. Participation in tournaments is required, with students expected to compete in a minimum of four tournaments per semester. In addition, students will complete a major research project that demonstrates advanced mastery of research, analysis, and written communication skills.

Competitive Speech is designed for students who are members of the Speech and Debate Team and are committed to competitive performance. The course focuses on advancing speaking techniques, persuasive communication, research, and writing skills through structured practice and performance-based activities.

Students will refine delivery, audience engagement, and performance skills while developing compelling, well-researched speeches. Emphasis is placed on preparation for competitive events, critical self-evaluation, and continuous improvement in both individual and team performance settings.

Business Communication prepares students to communicate effectively and professionally in today’s workplace. This course emphasizes the development of clear, concise, and purposeful communication skills essential for success in business, postsecondary education, and future careers.

Students will learn and practice a variety of communication formats, including professional emails, business letters, résumés, cover letters, reports, presentations, and interpersonal communication. Instruction includes both written and oral communication, with a focus on grammar, tone, organization, and clarity.

The course also covers key workplace communication concepts such as active listening, team communication, digital etiquette, customer service interactions, conflict resolution, and professional conduct. Students will participate in activities such as mock interviews, collaborative projects, and professional correspondence simulations.

By the end of the course, students will have developed strong foundational communication skills that will support them in any career field, leadership role, or postsecondary pathway.