late updated on April 7, 2006

Program overview

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM:

Please click here to learn about the program from its beginning to the 1960s (pre-Ziegelmueller era) or to learn about the program since the 1960s (Ziegelmueller era ).  *this area under construction*

PHILOSOPHY:

The Wayne State Debate team is an open squad, meaning that we offer beginning as well as experienced debaters the opportunity to travel around the country and compete in several college tournaments each semester. Our only requirement for joining and remaining on the team is that you are committed to the activity and strive to improve as a student of argument and public policy.

 CORE VALUES/PRINCIPLES OF THE PROGRAM:

  • Student education is the highest priority. Debate is an activity that enhances the classroom experience and offers opportunities for students to apply their classroom knowledge to new and different contexts. While competition is important, it is valueless unless it promotes quality educational experiences for the students.
  • Dedication to Success. Success is not the only value to debating. However, we strongly believe that competition provides an important motivation for student learning and performance. Student education is our supreme objective; competitive success is the means to reach this objective.
  • Decorum. Students are expected to be good citizens in and outside the debate community. Our reputation as competitors, students and members of the forensics community reflects directly on our University.
  • Dedication to Tradition. The past legacy and reputation of the program acts as the foundation for our future growth and continued success.

STYLE OF DEBATE:

WSU participates in team policy debate (CEDA/NDT) and Lincoln-Douglas one-person policy debate (to learn more about LD and the Individual Events team, click here). Team policy debaters are expected to debate both sides of the resolution, meaning that students do not simply advocate one stance on a topic the entire tournament, but instead learn about different perspectives on a topic. This decreases dogmatic beliefs and strengthens students’ advocacy by learning the strengths and weaknesses of their stance.

WSU DEBATE TRADITIONS:

The long history of WSU's debate program has resulted in many unique traditions.  The squad follows the 5 D's (code of conduct) and engages in special activities and extra-curricular events to enhance students' experiences.  Click here for a detailed explanation of our Debate Traditions. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES WE ENGAGE IN :

In addition to the competitive activities described above, Wayne State Debate is a strong supporter of high school forensics activities. In particular, we host the Edward Pappas High School Tournament, the James A. McMonagle debate clinic and the Wayne State Summer Debate Institute.

 

In addition, we provide assistance and support to the Detroit Urban Debate League.

To learn more about these other activities, please click here.

From time to time, WSU debate hosts traveling debate teams from other countries for on-campus debates. In the past, we have hosted teams from England, Japan and the Baltic.

The team also provides support and co-sponsors on-campus public events and debates.