Policy Debate Camp

Policy Debate Camps at Notre Dame of Maryland University and University of San Diego

Program Overview

The aim of Capitol Debate is to improve students’ debating skills. To do this we emphasize the foundational theories of forensics, encourage students to apply these theories in small groups, and foster understanding through skilled instruction.

The lessons and lectures are structured to allow students to learn the fundamental theories of all facets of policy debate. From affirmative cases to critiques and topicality, students will receive extensive instruction from experienced coaches. At these academic summer programs, our Theory Series provides campers with the knowledge needed to win theory debates. Every class at our policy debate camps consists of several hour-long sessions, each focused on a different issue.

Students will improve their debate skills because they know the theories and have applied them. They will build self-confidence. They will be practiced and experienced communicators, prepared to debate competitively in school, at college, or in their career.

How We Teach

The trick to understanding theory is understanding how to use it. Every class ends with application. The students are split into small groups, and these small groups learn to take the theory and apply it in practice.

As an example of how we help students learn, our counter plan series lets students take classes in plan-inclusive counter-plans, conditionality, fiat, and permutations to understand the different pieces of the debating puzzle. These classes are then reinforced as students apply it with their group.

Theory is the foundation of application. Application is the outcome of theory. One without the other is useless. Our experience has shown that debate students learn best when they know both the theory and how to use the theory.

What We Teach

Students at our policy debate camps will learn theories and strategies in the following areas:

• Counter-Plans
• Critiques
• Topicality

We Make Debaters Better

Our policy debate camps are led by lecturers with ample experience, championship credentials, and a gift for teaching. Their oversight guides students as they learn the ins and outs of effective debate.

The debates are watched. The students are critiqued and informed. Detailed feedback is given to every debater, after every debate, and reinforces what is taught in every class. Students, our staff will teach you to become artful debaters.

We emphasize application. We explain theories through practice. We teach debate by letting students debate. We refine their skills with feedback.