If the class has the size I expect, then students will be assigned by alphabetical order into two-person groups, each of which will be assigned (by me) one of the general course topics. For your assigned topic area your group must then select a specific topic to use for your discussion or debate. I will provide a list of suggestions for you.
For your chosen topic you will then either lead the class in a discussion, or have a debate. By the middle of the second week of class you must email me your specific topic for my approval, as well as indicating whether you will be moderating the class discussion or having a debate. Your prepared portion of your discussion or debate should last at most 25 minutes.
For discussions, students should share responsibility for preparation and presentation.The focus here is to engage the class, to get them interested, and to get them talking along the specific lines of your topic.
For debates, students should again share the time evenly, presenting views and rebuttals of opponents positions. On the day of your debate I will choose at random who will argue which side, so you must understand the issues and be prepared either way. You should be impassioned in your argumentation, attempting to persuade the listeners to your views by facts, analogy, and logical arguments. You must leave the last 5 minutes of your debate for the class to interact with you. Part of your debate grade will be your ability to answer questions/challenges given by the class in response to your comments.