Module: Debating Skills

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Debating Skills
Module Code	EN104 (ITS) / ESL1018 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	SALIS
Module Co-ordinator	Fiona Gallagher
Module Teachers	Martin Toal
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only
Presentation of an argument concerning contemporary issues in society.

Description

The aims of this module are to: introduce students to debating as a discourse mode; develop skills in proposing and defending a line of argument; engage in critical contemporary debates in society. Materials used in this module are mainly pitched at B2:2 (CEFR) and higher

Learning Outcomes

1. define and set out theoretical underpinnings of a motion
2. use the skill of rebuttal, including the use of supporting evidence
3. demonstrate ability to work effectively in teams
4. display knowledge of specialised vocabulary pertaining to a given topic or field
5. self-assess oral language skills
6. plan short-term goals for the development of debating skills
7. Reflection on learning

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	12	debating skills
Group work	12	In-class debates
Independent Study	101	researching and planning for debates; management of learning
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Information gathering skills

Presentation skills

Voice modulation & body language

Functions of agreeing and disagreeing

Compensation Strategies

Management of interaction (including listening and note-taking)

Negotiation of meaning

Summarizing skills

Team work skills

Management of learning
Self-assessment, goal setting, reporting on learning

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Preparation of arguments for and against a motion and reflection on the process	30%	Week 8
Oral Examination	Group debate	70%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Bowell, T & Kemp, G: 2005, Critical Thinking., 2nd edition., Routledge, London,
Blundel, R: 1998, Effective Business Communication, 1st, Prentice Hall, New York,
Hasling, J.: 1975, The Audience, The Message, The Speaker, McGrawHill Book Company,

Other Resources

59596, Newspaper, 0, Irish Times,