FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS                  |
Answers to some of the most common questions about the team.
How well will The TUSD prepare me for graduate school or law school?
How many students participate in the Team?Graduate school requires critical thinking, research, and articulate expression of thoughts. These are all skill sets cultivated by participating in speech and debate. In addition, the practical approach of some of the law schools across the country as well as those that still follow the broad survey approach to legal education in America call for research, brief writing, cross examination, as well as the ability to think on your feet. Debaters from across the country are a step ahead of their colleagues because they have all done each and every one of these activities countless number of times.
Is high school forensics experience a requirement for participation?The number of debaters and eventers varies from year to year, but generally around ten to thirty students participate in the program.
How much time does it take to participate in forensics at Towson?No, high school experience is not necessary, but it is helpful. Most Towson speakers and debaters have participated in high school programs, but the extent and level of participation varies. The most important factors in achieving success in college forensics are intelligence, motivation, and dedication.
How are debate colleagues selected at Towson?The amount of time a student spends on speech and debate will vary with the eventer/debater’s ability, motivation, and level of interest. Of course, participation in any worthwhile activity is time consuming. In addition to attending squad meetings, speakers research, prepare, and practice their presentations. Debaters conduct extensive library research, write argument briefs, participate in rounds, and travel to tournaments. The amount of time a student is able to commit to debate will have a large impact upon the events and/or assignment of debate colleague and the selection of a tournament travel schedule.
How many tournaments can I expect to attend each year?Colleagues are assigned by the coaches, but debaters have a significant input into such decisions. We attempt to pair teams based on level of experience, desire, and ability level.
How many classes are missed for tournament travel?Three to five each semester.
Is debate on the TUSD a squad or an individual team effort?College debate tournaments are generally three day activities held Friday through Sunday. Speech tournaments are two to three day affairs. We typically leave for a tournament during the morning on Friday and return on Sunday evening. We usually drive to tournaments. Whenever a student misses a class for a tournament, we provide a written notice to each of the student’s professors indicating that classes will be missed for a University sanctioned activity. Speech and Debate at Towson are on par with baseball and football. Students should, however, attempt to schedule as many Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday classes as possible in order to minimize the number of classes missed.
Should I participate in speech and debate my freshman year in college?Most definitely, The TUSD is a squad effort. College policy topics are broad, and one team could not research a proposition adequately without jeopardizing grades in classes. Towson's program relies on a central evidence and brief file. Each debater is assigned a topic area for research. Briefs related to specific arguments and cases are them prepared, duplicated, and distributed to each team. Towson teams carry original evidence as well as evidence worked on at summer institutes. Given the amount of time we spend together, the squad develops a camaraderie which surpasses that of most college groups. Students are as excited about others victories as they are their own.
Can I participate in other activities while I'm on the team?Yes, why lose the opportunity of a year’s experience in any activity that offers so many individual advantages? Students who aspire to achieve the highest level of national competition generally need to begin the activity in their freshman year.
What other activities are available besides tournament travel?Yes, Towson speakers and debaters participate in a number of other activities. Some activities include, student government, Model United Nations, student publications. Fraternities and sororities take a great deal of time and may make debating difficult, for some students. While debate does take a great deal of time, debaters are encouraged to participate in other activities that will provide them with a well rounded, broad based college education.
Can I receive college credit for participation in speech and debate at Towson?While tournament competition is the most visible speech and debate activity at Towson, students are encouraged to take part in Baltimore Urban Debate League, YMCA Middle School Debate League and public exhibitions.
Are debate scholarships available at Towson?Yes, a speaker or debater can receive academic credit for participation in the program. While competitive tournament speech and debate are extra-curricular activity, the university recognizes the curricular value of debate and offers a student a total of 6 hours of college credit for participation in debate. All incoming students interested in speech and debate are required to sign up for COMM 249/250/349/350.
Scholarships are available to students with substantial competitive experience. Most scholarships are awarded to incoming first year students but all students may apply for consideration. Contact dgoins@towson.edu to find out more, or click the Scholarship Opportunities link.
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