There are several types of collegiate debate, but here at Methodist University we compete in Policy (also known as Cross Examination) Debate. Policy Debate involves teams of two debaters (which means that you will have a partner who works with you during the debate season) either arguing for (affirmative) or against (negative) a single resolution which is chosen at the beginning of the debate year and used throughout the entire debate season. If you want to read more about policy debate, I would suggest starting HERE.

Methodist University has a history of winning, and we are planning on doing more of it. In the past 15 years, MU has had 3 national champion teams (American Debate Association Novice National Champions of 1995, 1996, 1998) and several other good showings at major debate tournaments across the nation. Last season, the team showed improvement after a couple of slumping years and had success at several tournments including good team records as well as individual accomplishments in the form of speaking trophies. Given both our historical record of success and our recent accomplishments, the Methodist University Debate team is expecting to have a very fruitful 2008-2009 season.

Just in the past year, we had our travel budget fully funded by the President of the university. We were able to travel to where we needed to be and cost was not a factor. This support will be of incalculable aid in giving our team the practice it needs to be successful and competitive on the national level.

Our tentative tournament schedule for 2008-2009 includes (but is not limited to) travel to tournaments at the following schools:

Work Study is a benefit that many have enjoyed. It's a really good way to make money while working for the debate team. Killing two birds with one stone is not just a saying, its a time saver and helps make the workload for both so much easier. Workstudy eligibility is determined by financial aid.

Over the last year we have increased the scholarship over 100 percent. It went from 400 dollars a semester for new recruits to 1000 dollars a semester for everyone who signs the agreement. There is no experience needed to qualify for the scholarship, just a committment to the team.

We have been provided a space that is large enough and accomodating enough for all of our needs. It has a kitchen to make long meetings and work sessions more pleasant. It's a converted apartment so we have two bedrooms to do individual work in, a large common area to do group work, and our own private bathroom. This set up is a huge help to making the team comfortable and productive.

Nothing beats getting a jump on the new season. We plan to offer a camp where team members will be allowed to move into their dorm rooms early, will be provided meals, and will be given early and more specialized debate instruction. We will give ourselves a great start to the season and set up the team to be truly competitive.

Agriculture is a more broad and deep topic than it appears. With the advent of organic farming, genetically engineered crops, rising gas prices, corn used for ethanol instead of food, and the rising number of starving people in the world Agriculture covers so much. Not only is it a real world, vital topic that truly touches the pulse of America, the area for debate is contentious, critical, and controversial which always makes for enjoyable and fun arguments.

We have all the support we need to have a truly amazing season. The only thing we are missing is hard working, intelligent, and dedicated competitors. Debate is rewarding, addictive, and exciting. If these things speak to you please, join the team and come on board for what promises to be an interesting and thrilling year. If you would like to join the team and are willing to make the committment to qualify for the scholarship fill out this Scholarship Contract, mail it in, and drop me an email at gthomas@methodist.edu to get the ball rolling.