CANG9174 : B2+ _ When Debate powers Democracy, a debating Class

Overview

Rational debate, and the underlying assumption that the strongest, most convincing arguments will carry the day, has taken quite a few blows over recent years. Alternative facts, fake news, the spread of conspiracy theories, social networks and their information bubbles, have all shone a cruel light on the essential fragility of our democracies. But at the same time the vitality of online discussion forums, even while election abstention gains ground, shows that more people than ever want to add their voices to the debate. 

This course, through predominantly practical sessions, will be looking at how to stimulate and revive a culture of debate and will pay particular attention not only to the chosen topics, but especially to the format and conventions of the debate.