Policy Debate Theory and Theory Practicum

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Topicality (general theory and topic specific): What are the possible meanings of the resolution? What clear violations can be constructed to create fair and predictable ground for both sides?

Affirmative Case Construction: Plan writing, advantage areas, solvency mechanisms, answers to negative arguments. What are the categories that most cases will fall under and what kind of matrix can be developed to organize the possible affirmative cases? 

Disadvantages (general theory and topic specific): What are the components of a disadvantage, including the link, brink, uniqueness, and impact? What types of disadvantages will be run on the topic and what are their strengths/weaknesses?

Counterplans I: Writing the text of the counterplan, what are the basic types of counterplans? Agent CP debates, questions of counterplan topicality, and counterplan solvency. What types of counterplans can we expect on this years resolution? 

Kritiks I: A background on philosophy and critical theory. What is agency and how does it relate to fiat? What are the types of kritiks--Both general and specific? How can the negative set up the framework and articulate a series of links?

Counterplans II: Fiat and permutations. What is fiat and how can the negative deploy it? What makes a CP competitive and what are the standards for competition? What is a permutation and how can it be defended/attacked?

Kritiks II: The alternative and the performative contradiction. Re-visiting the framework question, setting up a competitive alternative, debating the permutation and any counter-kritiks. What are the basic affirmative answers and ways to respond?