BOWDOIN COLLEGE
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FAQ
Q: What type of debate does Bowdoin participate in? Bowdoin paticipates in Parliamentary style debate on the American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA) circuit. "Parliamentary debate is an off-topic, extemporaneous form of competitive debate which stresses rigorous argumentation, logical analysis, quick thinking, breadth of knowledge, and rhetorical ability over preparation of evidence.It is patterned after the style of platform debate first made famous at Oxford University. The format pits two two-person teams against each other in a contest of argument, wit and rhetoric which roughly simulates debate in a House of Parliament." ~Excerpt from apdaweb.org, "What is Parliamentary Debate" Q: What type of topics do you debate? Generally, there are no prescribed topics for APDA, so you debate a plethora things. Topics range from US Foreign policy to issues of religion, history and even Sesame Street. Q: Do I need High School debate experience? Not at all. Most members of our team had little or no previous debate experience, and are still extremely competative on the circuit! Q: What is the time commitment? We realize that you, like everyone else, is always extremely busy, and probably have a wide range of academic, social and extra-cirricular activities. Therefore, we let you decide your own level of commitment. We have meetings one night a week and compete at tournaments across New England on the weekends. Tournaments last Friday afternoon through Saturday. You aren't required to go to any set number of tournaments, just as many as your enthusiasm and schedule allow. Q: What are tournaments like? Do I need to prepare a lot? Tournaments last two days, and you are guarenteed 5 rounds of debate. We usually leave Bowdoin around noon or 1:00 pm on Friday and return sometime Saturday night. Unlike policy, or even LD debate, Parli debate just requires an overall understanding of the world and current events. No evidence is used, so you don't have to choose between writing 2AC blocks and sleeping anymore. Q: Are there any fees or costs? No. Bowdoin's team is fully funded from SAFC, and when combined with our sizeable endowments, the only cost to you is the occasional snack. Q: What will debate do for me? A lot. Parliamentary debate ephasizes impromptu speaking which help you develop excellent speaking skills which will benefit you in class discussions, interviews and eventually, a job. Parli also provides you with the necessary skills to formulate strong, logical well-developed arguments, and creates a forum for you to discuss and better understand many issues of contemproary social and political importance. Joining the debate team also gives you the opportunity to travel across New England a visit some of the most prestigous and beautiful campuses in the region. You'll also gain a network of friends both at Bowdion and across the country. |