The September/October Prep Bootcamp

September/October Prep Bootcamp Overview

Detailed topic analysis

A thorough introduction to the September/October topic by coaches of Tournament of Champions winners. Covers definitional and interpretational questions, suggests potential topic areas for exploration, and simulates a few potential kinds of debates you might see. 

Finding the best September/October topic research

This lecture covers research methods with an emphasis on researching the September/October topic (instead of being a generic explanation of “how to do research”). Where should you look for the best evidence on this topic? What are the kinds of academic fields the topic brings together? If empirical data matters for the topic, what kinds of data sources are important and what do they say? 

Improving case strategy on the topic

What are the key types of debates that might happen on the topic? Debaters often pick cases they like without thinking about their portfolio of arguments and about the kinds of opponents they’ll face. This lecture will teach you to think strategically about which set of cases to write. 

Simulating potential end-game scenarios

Debaters almost never consider what they want the 2AR to look like when they are writing an AC. This lecture will teach you to construct your cases on the basis of what you want them to do in rebuttals, going beyond the basics of the topic analysis. Knowing that there are 5 common NCs on the topic, what kinds of ACs will be most effective? How should you think about the “end-game”, particularly in light of the different kinds of opponents and judges you will see? 

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About Our Programs

Our programs are intensive, focused courses designed to help you master a specific and essential debate skill. We're a group of experienced instructors who believe that by carefully designing classes and making them available online, we can guarantee better instruction at a lower cost. To ensure this, all our programs feature interactive webinars with premier instructors, specially designed course materials and metrics, individualized and in-depth feedback, and one-on-one personal coaching.

How exactly does it work?

You'll begin with one of your regular classes with a premier instructor, who will answer your and your peers' questions about an essential topic and tell you what you need to know, all from the comfort of your own home. These'll be group classes so that we can guarantee you will learn from the very best instructor to be teaching the topic. Each class is then followed with homework assignments, designed especially for your course to guide you through the material. You'll receive individualized feedback on each piece of your work. Instructors will be reachable before, during, and after class should you have a question about the material or about your feedback. Finally, if you opt for a drill package, you'll schedule one-on-one sessions throughout the program to practice your new skills with targeted drills. The class is fast-paced but tells you exactly what you need to know – in just a short amount of time, you'll have mastered a new debate skill!

Have to miss a class? Not to worry! All our classes are also recorded should you need it. Seats are always limited to ensure highest-quality instruction. Get the training you need – sign up now!

VC Academy Scholarship

Consistent with our mission, we want to make our programs accessible to all students, regardless of background. Both need-based and merit-based scholarships are available, especially for small schools. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you are interested in our scholarship program!