Students Compete in Their Own Debate to Win Tickets to Presidential Debate

Written by Rebecca Lauck Cleary

09/15/2008

OXFORD, Miss. - Considering the Russia-Georgia conflict, is Russia an ally or a threat to the U.S.? Where does China stand on its foreign policy? Tough questions such as these have been points of discussion for some two dozen University of Mississippi students enrolled this semester in a debate-style class planned around the first 2008 presidential debate, to be hosted Sept. 26 on the Oxford campus. The one-hour credit practicum is intended to prepare students to research, write and argue issues. Besides striving for a good grade in the class, the students will have a chance to win tickets to the presidential debate and cash prizes. Preliminary rounds in the competition involve 11 two-member teams. The four students making it to the final round win presidential debate tickets and will face off in a free, public event at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in Overby Center Auditorium. The two winners are to be awarded $500 prizes. JoAnn Edwards, director of forensics for UM's Lott Leadership Institute, came up with the idea for the class and worked with the campus Presidential Debate Committee and the Dean of Students Office to make it happen. "The goal is to groom a stable of students to speak about hot issues that will be buzzing around the week of the presidential debate," Edwards said. "This is a very exciting opportunity for the university and the city." The diverse group of students includes freshmen through graduate students from across the academic spectrum. The intense, four-week class provides students with an introduction to case writing, logic and reasoning associated with a competitive argument, as well as teaches presentation and impromptu skills, and how to take a position on an issue. They will also be watching the various news outlets to see how the media covers these topics. Students had to submit an essay to be considered for the class, and at the time applications were due, the debate was to focus on domestic issues, so essay topics were about health care, energy, the economy, gun control and domestic violence. When the Commission on Presidential Debates announced that the presidential debate focus had been changed to national security and foreign policy, the class focus also shifted to more global issues. "My belief is that this debate program is intended to serve the university population," Edwards said. "These are tools that are needed. To do a focused, immersed, intensive program like this is an opportunity for students to learn a skill set." Edwards makes sure everyone in the class has a chance to share their research and opinions on the topic of the day, and encourages them to look at issues from all sides. "This is like a pot of stew, and everyone brings something to the cook," Edwards said. Bindiya Ganatra, a pre-pharmacy major from Mathiston, said that while she hopes for a chance to win presidential debate tickets, there are other reasons that sparked her interest in the class. "This will be my first time to vote in an election, and it means a lot that we will be able to experience real candidates coming to our home state," Ganatra said. "I also want to learn more about the economy and different types of governments all over the world." Dion Kevin, a senior, said he chose to be in the class in order to meet interesting people and gain an alternate perspective on the chosen topics. "I enjoy discussing current events and public policies, and the fact that I am biochemistry student verses a public policy or political science type major provides me with very little or no outlet for this subject of rhetoric," said Kevin. Philosophy major James Hoggatt said his interest in current events led to his involvement in the class. "I believe the best way to learn about something is through conflict, and debate is the best form of conflict. But beyond that, I hope to expand my understanding of the world." Hoggatt said it is especially significant that UM is hosting the debate. "The University of Mississippi has a very important past in American history, specifically in education." Fellow student Kevin agreed that the presidential debate is a historic event in the life of the university. "The first presidential debate being held here at Ole Miss is a reflection on the legacy of Chancellor Robert Khayat, as well as how the faculty and student body has evolved under his leadership," Kevin said. "The past decade of his leadership is directly responsible for the position the University of Mississippi is in today. I hope the media representatives present during the debate will convey the many strengths and notable accomplishments this university has made despite the indiscretions of the past. The University of Mississippi will not let history define its future." For more information or to request assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-3799. To learn more about the Lott Leadership Institute, visit http://www.lottinst.olemiss.edu/ .

 

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