RHETORIC 121-122: Beginning Speech & Debate

The Northridge Rhetoric program trains students in the art of communication and persuasion through the practice of Public Forum Debate and Model United Nations. In Public Forum, students learn to craft technically excellent cases in which well-referenced evidence is woven into convincing arguments. In Model United Nations, students represent nations, governments, individuals, or organizations on simulated committees ranging from the United States Constitutional Convention of 1789 to the present day United Nations Security Council, strategically balancing the interests they represent with the collective interests of the committee.

The two levels of this course are often taught together so that students in higher levels can play a leadership role in the class through mentoring and assisting younger students.