Debate ll                                                  

Instructor: Mr. Myrick, Desert Hills High School
Contact Email: kyle.myrick@washk12.org
Office Hours: By Appointment

Participation Fee: $85.00

Course Description

This course covers the speech events of oration, international and domestic extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and duo interpretation.  The areas of debate are policy, public forum, Lincoln/Douglas and congress. 

Participation Expectations

Students will participate in class assignments and be expected to attend 5 debate tournaments--this is a competitive speech and debate class. Students are expected to select one area of debate (policy, public forum, Lincoln/Douglas or congress) and 1-2 areas of individual events (oration, international and domestic extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, or duo interpretation, informative speaking, or program oral interp).

Attendance and Tardiness

Due to the nature of the activities—speech and debate is built around learning by doing—being in attendance and on time is essential for class as well as for tournaments.  The attendance and tardy policies for Desert Hills High School and Washington County School District will be followed in this class.  

Grading for the Class

Students will be graded on research assignments, presentations, tournament participation, and other assignments as given. The Washington County School District grade scale will be used.  Assessments (research assignments such as debate cases/briefs and tournament participation) will account for 80% of the total class grade.   Students must attend 5 tournaments with at least 2 during 2nd and 3rd quarter, receiving 60% of the total tournament grade for participating in a debate event and 40% for participating in a non-debate event.  The Desert Hills Tournament and Regions Tournament are mandatory and serve as the quarter final grades.    If a student fails to attend these tournaments, they risk being dropped from the class.  If students arrive late to a tournament or miss a round, the total grade will be prorated accordingly.  The competitions are held October until March, so students should plan their schedules accordingly.  In order to compete, students must maintain academic eligibility.  

2023-2024 Tentative Tournament Schedule (subject to change):

• Thursday, October 26  - Novice @ Snow Canyon - Times TBA

• Friday, December 1 -  Crimson Cliffs - Times TBA 

• Friday, January 26 -  Hurricane - Times TBA

• Saturday, February 10 - Nat Quals Speech - Beaver - Times TBA

• Tuesday, February 27 -  Region 10 Championships - SUU - Times TBA

• March 1-2 - Nat Quals Debate - Cedar City Location TBD - Times TBA

• March 8-9 - State Debate - Location TBD - Times TBA (March 9 is 1st day of Spring Break)

Late Work Policy

Students must adhere to due dates for all major assignments and projects. After deadlines, students may still turn in late work for 50% credit.  

Technology in the Classroom

• Electronic Devices:    Desert Hills High School policies restricting the use of electronic communication devices (smart phones, etc.) will be followed.   If a student is using technology inappropriately during class, the teacher has the right to confiscate the device for the duration of the class.   PARENTS, PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR TEXT YOUR STUDENT DURING OUR CLASS PERIOD. If there is an emergency, please contact the front office. They will be happy to immediately get a message to your student.

• Internet:  Students will be using various forms of technology throughout the year, including online tournaments that will be using various platforms such as Google Hangout, Zoom, or NSDA Classroom.  All tournaments will be sanctioned with privacy protections in place.  Cyber bullying of any form will not be tolerated. Those that misuse the technology in any way will lose their privileges and face any necessary form of disciplinary action.   Students may not independently sign up DHHS debate team for tournaments that are not approved by the coach.  

• Photos:  Students’ picture and/or voice may be used for DHHS Speech and Debate PR (without identifying information) to showcase their learning journey and learning successes.

• Films:  Very rarely, film excerpts or a film that supports the curriculum will be shown in class. These films may be G, PG, or PG13 rated.  

Speech and Debate Citizenship 

Students in speech and debate class are part of the Desert Hills Speech and Debate Team, and as such must show a commitment to positive team culture and participation.  Students must be willing to work with any student assigned. Students will demonstrate a positive attitude towards class, support each speaker during research and presentations, learn appropriate tournament and audience behavior and maintain a professional attitude in all areas involved.

Tournament Costs 

Tournaments have entrance fees for the school as well as for participants.  Additional room costs may apply to overnight tournaments.   If students want to compete for a chance to go to Nationals, they must join the NSDA with a one-time $20 membership fee.  This is optional and not required but will be required if students want to go to NSDA tournaments.

Parent Support

Our team depends on parent involvement and support. At every tournament, each team is required to bring judges. If teams don’t bring judges, then the team may be charged additional fees or worse case scenario, students will not be allowed to compete.  Each student must sign up 2-3 volunteer judges for the year, this means you can judge 2-3 separate times at separate tournaments, or recruit 2-3 judges to cover one or more tournaments. Please fill out the form on the signature page indicating which tournaments you will help us with.  Judges will be trained (and fed when tournaments are held in-person) and some tournaments pay judges!   If you are not available, then try to find a friend, family member, or former graduate who can judge in your place. If you are not able to meet the two judge requirement, families may be asked to pay an additional $25 per judge to cover penalty costs. I will send out a request for judges early in the year and again before each tournament. Parents may also be asked to assist with hospitality. Thank you for your support! 

*Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!