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 Lincoln Douglas debate. From affirmative and negative cases to progressive positions, such as critiques and counterplans, students will receive extensive instruction from experienced coaches. 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. This curriculum is offered for students with at least 1 year minimum of competition experience within Lincoln Douglas Debate.
Our Lincoln Douglas 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. Students at our Lincoln Douglas debate camps will learn theories and strategies in the following areas:

Stock Affirmative Cases,Stock Negative Positions,Metaethics,Counter-Plans,Critiques,Topicality
The best way to promote in-depth understanding of Lincoln Douglas concepts and positions is through application and skill-building exercises. Every class ends with application. The students are split into small groups, and these small groups learn to take the concepts and apply them in practice. To help students apply the many concepts they are introduced to in lecture labs will utilize a variety of drills, speaking exercises, mini debates, and practice debates to emphasize and reinforce the lessons learned.
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What parent and students are saying

 

Lavanya Mani

Capitol Debate Student
 

Henry Yin

Capitol Debate Student
 

Arya GartsideVats

Capitol Debate Student
 

Junue J

Capitol Debate Student
 

Karla Sinecio

Capitol Debate Parent
 

Sidra Kureshi

Capitol Debate Parent