Module: Debating Skills

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Debating Skills
Module Code	ESL1018 (ITS: EN104)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10921	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Martin Toal	Module Teacher	Declan Nugent

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Newspaper: Irish Times,