Students, faculty should attend First Great Debate Series
History was made Sept. 28 as more than 100 Miami University students participated in the Black World Studies First Great Debate Series. In the first of these debates student teams from BWS 151 (Introduction to Black World Studies) were challenged to consider the following: The 2008 election demonstrated that race, class and gender are important determinants of political outcomes.
Some contend that the recent election of Barack Obama demonstrates that race is no longer important in American society. Others point out that the election of a black does not demonstrate any significant change in the American society.
Student teams, consisting of between three to four members, took opposing perspectives to research, deliberate and construct respective arguments. Both teams utilized such things as recent court cases (at both the federal and state levels), contemporary research and demographic trends and an analysis of historical events and attitudes. Of interest in this process was the realization that personal opinions and biases were of little or no value. Victory was declared to that team which provided the most persuasive of arguments.
After an hour of grilling positions and rebuttals, questioning and cross-examination, the audience determined which position prevailed based upon the effectiveness of critical thinking, utilization and maximization of multiple sources of materials and teamwork.
In the end, all were winners as all students involved demonstrated a mastery of the issues and material that we have come to expect given Miami's tradition of excellence.
There are many who question either the value or the utility of higher education. Accordingly, the skills and time associated with gaining a baccalaureate degree might be better spent acquiring specific job skills and/or work experience.
Even less value and utility is often rendered to college courses in ethnic and women's studies because it is assumed that such programs, at best, serve to coddle victimhood among so-called minorities, and at worst victimizes and attempts to proselytize so-called majorities.
While the history of such programs as black world studies at Miami University has consistently demonstrated its pedagogical soundness - as witnessed by the number of former majors going on to obtain advanced degrees in such areas as business and medicine, public policy and law, history and sociology - many still hold doubts.
While, as a professor long acquainted with black world studies and its history of success, I nevertheless understand some of the reasons regarding the doubts. I also recognize many of these doubts are borne out of a basic ignorance in what happens in the average black world studies course.
The principle purpose of designing and encouraging Black World Great Debate Series was an effort to showcase some of the best of what typically happens in the average black world studies class. In these debates, students were challenged to research, discuss and critically evaluate opposing viewpoints.
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Topics selected - ranging from the significance of race, relevance of black identity and whether or not hip-hop reflects an accurate portrayal of the black ethos - provided students an opportunity to showcase their talents while engaging in a forum situated in current American controversies. After witnessing these debates by these students in an introductory class of black world studies - more than a hundred Miami students left impressed with the level of excellence demonstrated. One queried: "Are these seniors or graduate students?" When told that they were first-years and sophomores, he looked with renewed wonder and appreciation.
The next debate will occur from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 in 001 Upham Hall. These debates (co-sponsored by Miami University's chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. and the Gentlemen of Distinguished Character) also feature raffles and attendance door prizes. Audience participants are automatically entered to win an iPod Nano (fifth generation), digital recorders, music CDs and more.
I encourage other students, faculty and staff to be a part of history, see what Miami excellence is all about. Come participate in the Black World Studies First Great Debates Series.
Rodney Coatescoatesrd@muohio.edu
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