2007-12-30
Penn Professor Begins With Debate
University of Pennsylvania Professor of Political Science, Dr. Michael Horowitz is a shining example of the power of debate. As a college debater at Emory University, Dr. Horowitz won the prestigious National Debate Tournament in 2000, becoming the national debate champion. He then went on to pursue a PhD in the department of government at Harvard University. Debate has been a significant influence in Dr. Horowitz's life and for that reason, he will be volunteering time with Perspectives to support the organization's mission to give more students access to debate in the greater Philadelphia and mid-Atlantic region.
Dr. Horowitz writes: "I have no doubt that my successes, including my position as an assistant professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania and my PhD from Harvard University, are due in large part to my participation in debate. Everything I do in my position, from the way I analyze evidence to the particular topics I research, has been influenced by my debate experience. The need for intense research, the requirement to be fluent in the current events of the day, and the necessity of learning to rapidly break down and analyze complex arguments are all skills learned in debate that help students long after a debate career ends. Debate is more than just an extracurricular activity. For some students it can function as a lifeline that keeps them engaged in school and gives them the tools they need to succeed. Participating in debate is something that I would highly recommend to all students. I know it made the difference in my life."
More information on Dr. Horowitz's academic background may be found on his webpage for the Penn Political Science Department.
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Perspectives is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting youth debate education. Students who debate dramatically increase their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. In the process, debate becomes a forum to foster youth achievement and civic responsibility. Perspectives has worked with over 400 students in 8 states through afterschool, summer, and special events. www.philadebate.org