As part of the new MA variant ‘Political Debate: Rhetorics and History’ this course will provide an introduction into historical and theoretical literature about political debate. We will review and discuss literature and also actually compare theory and practice, as this course also contains two practical elements: a debating course provided by professional coaches and a series of lectures by politicians and ex-politicians. Students will learn to analyse historical political debates, get an introduction into debating skills and discuss the nature of political debate with (ex)politicians.
Timetable
1st Semester, block 1 and 2, Tuesday 13-15 hrs.
Method of Instruction
Seminar, lectures, study of literature
Course objectives
Knowledge and understanding of the history, theory and practice of political debate
Required reading
Will be announced at the beginning of the course
Examination
Written reviews of literature, preparation of debates with politicians, short final paper
Information
t.van.haaften@let.leidenuniv.nl
Blackboard/webpage
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Overview
The three elements of this course – review of literature, debating course, and lectures by politicians – will be taught separately
Remarks
As this course concentrates on political debates in the Dutch context proficiency in speaking Dutch is necessary.