Our Curriculum
The Philadelphia Debate Institute (PDI), held August 17-24, 2008, will offer specialized novice and varsity programs. In contrast to previous years, these programs will run independently of each other; novice and varsity will have their own specific lectures and an individualized curriculum. For both programs, PDI will maintain its three core values: Education, Philosophy, and Debate. The interdisciplinary focus of PDI exposes students to various forms of academic study and knowledge because debate requires an in-depth knowledge of the social sciences to excel. PDI will promote these values through more tailored approaches that are best suited for students of varying levels of experience and educational needs.
Past educational lectures have included US History: 1776 to the Present, Current World Politics, Economics 101 and Rights Theory. These lectures covered a wide range of issues, including the rise of US economic power, the impact of international unions on national sovereignty, and the philosophical justifications for different types of economic systems.
Using this model, PDI has four major components:
- Lectures
- Office Hours
- Small Lab Groups
- Practice Debates
In 2008, there will be a minimum of 5 office hours and 5 fully critiqued practice rounds.