Overview of BOOTCAMP
7 Day Extensive Debate Bootcamp
This Harvard Debate Bootcamp is an immersive program designed to elevate debating skills and provide a Competitive Edge. Held in person, the program combines theoretical learning with practical application, enabling participants to master debating in an engaging, interactive environment, surrounded by like-minded peers and expert mentors.
Day 1
Diagnostic & WSDC Roles
Kick off with a Knowledge, Speaking, and Debating (KSD) Assessment.
Understand speaker roles and expectations in the WSDC format.
Day 2
Building Persuasive Arguments
Learn to frame strong claims with clear reasoning.
Connect arguments to real-world consequences and stakeholder impacts.
Day 3
Countering & Critical Thinking
Develop effective rebuttals and challenge opposing claims.
Enhance your ability to think quickly and respond strategically.
Day 4
Rebuilding & Extending Debate
Strengthen your team’s case by reinforcing key ideas.
Push the debate forward through deeper engagement and new analysis.
Day 5
Clash & Strategic Comparison
Engage in high-level refutation and create clashes.
Learn to weigh arguments and prioritize the strongest points.
Day 6
Final KSD & Global Case Prep
Measure your growth through a second KSD assessment.
Work on preparing debate cases around major international issues.
Day 7
Final Debate & Expert Feedback
Apply everything you've learned in a live mock debate.
Receive detailed, personalized feedback from expert trainers.
What Students will gain?
This Harvard Debate Bootcamp is an immersive program designed toelevate debating skills and provide a Competitive Edge. Held inperson, the program combines theoretical learning with practicalapplication, enabling participants to master debating in an engaging,interactive environment, surrounded by like-minded peers andexpert mentors.
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4 Theory Sessions:
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Learn the A to Z of Debating, from reasoning to rhetoric, knowledge & rebuttal strategies
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Group Discussion on critical thinking issues and identifying solutions/policy to problem statements
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Team-based Case Prep for internationally relevant themesIn-Person: Students learn in a conducive and interactive engagement, among like minded peers
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Initial and end-term evaluation of Knowledge, Speech & Debating skills to provide personalized mentorship
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Final Debate for Full-format practice with feedback to improve
