Which lab is right for you?

Our innovative approach to teaching ensures that you are able to choose which lab you are placed in and which lab leader you want as your primary instructor.  Unlike other institutes that make this decision for you, Iowa believes you should be able to choose who you want to learn from.  It is your tuition dollars and you should have a voice on who teaches you.  We are the only institute that enables you to pick from a staff of champions.

Debaters of all experience levels, novice to senior, will find that Iowa's curriculum advances their understanding of argument practice and theory! You will receive lots of hands-on experience without forfeiting topic specific preparation. 

The lab will meet for at least seven hours daily, starting at 9 am, with instructors for group activities including skills and strategy development, theory lectures, topic lectures, drills, research presentations, and practice debates.

What does the lab structure look like?

Students will choose their primary lab instructor.  This is the lab they will conduct their casing and research projects in.  Students will be given a brief orientation about which one of the upcoming topics each specific lab will cover over the next two weeks and then select which topic and lab leader they wish to work with. 

In addition to their primary lab, students will be assigned an Honors Seminar led by an instructor different from their primary lab leader.  In this setting, alternative topic instruction, additional theory lectures, skills practicums, and other learning will be taught.  This provides students with diversity in teaching and broadens the breadth of arguments discussed and made available to students.  Iowa believes that access to all of our faculty for every student is important.

Furthermore, students will be able to select through a series of electives additional topic instruction and access to different theories and arguments. This will provide students with detailed application of possible affirmative and negative casing ideas to topics other than their primary lab. In addition, schools of philosophy and specific philosophers will be discussed in detail including direct application to LD.

Which style is right for you?

Each lab setting approaches the topics discussed recognizing the variety of styles LD debate has across the country.  No one style of debate is privileged over another.  Teaching adaption and the skills necessary to succeed across the country is something that sets Iowa apart from the rest of the nation's institutes.   Students who choose a particular style will have a chance to attend lectures and electives outside of their chosen one.

Why choose a 3rd week?

Iowa's 3rd week option is dedicated to practice rounds offering an additional 10 critiqued debates and individual attention.  Two additional topics for the upcoming year will be covered.  This means a student will leave with at least 90% of the potential topics for next year being researched and lectured on.  This provides students with the greatest chance to have a head start on each topic over their competition and a selection of affirmative and negative cases on each topic.