Debate

The debate team encourages students of all levels of comfort with public speaking to participate and develop skills crucial in today’s job market and critical for professional development. In debate, young men learn and develop their understanding of argumentation theory, how to construct and design logical arguments, the art of refuting opposing arguments, research skills, and the use of supporting evidence all while developing confidence, composure, persuasion, critical thinking, and awareness of current events.

In forensics competitive public speaking, students can develop critical thinking, persuasion, presentation form and speaking style in a fun, competitive environment in one of six categories: dramatic performance, duo interpretation of literature, extemporaneous speaking, oral interpretation of literature, oratorical declamation, and original oratory.

The debate/forensics team practices 2-3 times a week and competes nationally at tournaments such as Harvard College and Stanford University, state-wide through Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association (MIFA), and locally in the Detroit Catholic Forensics League (DCFL).

Past topics:

  • Resolved: NCAA student athletes ought to be recognized as employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Resolved: The United States should require universal background checks for all gun sales and transfers of ownership.
  • Resolved: On balance, the benefits of the Internet of Things outweigh the harms of decreased personal privacy.
  • Resolved: The United States federal government should adopt a carbon tax.
  • Resolved: The benefits of First Amendment protection of anonymous speech outweigh the harms.