Mastering Russian through Global Debate

Language instructors increasingly recognize the value of debate as a means of facilitating Advanced and Superior level competency. As of now, no single debate textbook exists that provides level-specific, scaffolded language exercises in addition to rhetorical strategies and topic-specific texts. The proposed textbook provides a stepwise set of exercises that culminate in a debate with fellow students at home and/or abroad via teleconference technology. Each of six chapters commences with a set of pre-reading activities, then a text covering the debate topic from both sides of the issue, followed by post-reading comprehension and lexical development exercises--all of which foster language and critical thinking skills needed for successful debates. A rhetorical methods section in each chapter integrates language and practice and prepares students for end-of-chapter debates. The book is designed to work closely with the ACTFL proficiency guidelines. Twelve audio files will be included.