Forensics Benefit Students?
Background of Forensics
As practiced by the ancient Greeks, the forum was the actual seat of government, a place where the people got together to make the decisions by which they ruled. Later, in Roman times, the forum became a place where people could speak out in an attempt to persuade their representatives to one course of action or another.
But their votes were always preceded by debate: citizens and leaders argued about what was morally right and legally right; they argued about the best way to achieve a desired outcome; they argued about what was possible and what was prudent.
This Have Anything to Do with Science or the Study of Dead Bodies?
What are the Different Events?
Humorous Interpretation Humorous interpretation is a humorous cutting which represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. This material may be drawn from stage, screen or radio. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes, including transitions and the delivery of an original introduction.
Dramatic Interpretation Dramatic interpretation is a dramatic selection representing one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. This material may be drawn from stage, screen or radio. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes, including transitions and the delivery of an original introduction.
Duo Interpretation A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. The material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. This is not an acting event. Thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc. are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and focus should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Original Prose and Poetry Original prose or poetry is a selection that has been written by the student. It represents one of more characters. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes, including the introduction and transitions.
In original oratory, speakers choose a topic that interests them and develop
Thematic Interpretation A selection that must be drawn from more than one source of literary merit, but all selections are related by a theme. The use of a manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes, including an introduction.
Expository Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work of the student. Maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes. Limited notes are permitted. Students will speak in listed order. Posting of topics will be staggered.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Lincoln-Douglas Debate is a one-person (per side), persuasive, policy debate on traditional stock issues. Competitors in Lincoln-Douglas will be evaluated on their analysis, use of evidence, and ability to effectively and persuasively organize, deliver, and refute arguments. Speeches should be pleasant, comprehensible, and persuasive in tone. Students should only use evidence that is accurate and thoroughly referenced in their speeches.
Policy Debate Policy Debate is a two-person team debate, in which you and a partner support the affirmative or negative position of a resolution against another team. At each tournament you have the opportunity to compete in several rounds, on both the affirmative and the negative side of the resolution. The affirmative must present a case that supports the resolution. The negative must attempt to disprove the case. Rounds are carefully structured so that each side has adequate opportunity to present their side.
Congress Congress is modeled after the procedure for floor debate in a legislature. Bills and resolutions to be debated have been determined in advance, and students have had time to prepare to speak on these issues. It is designed to test a students ability to speak to an issue in both an extemporaneous and impromptu manner and to reveal the individuals knowledge of parliamentary procedure. Each session of Congress is one hour and twenty minutes long.