About the Wofford Debating Society
What is the WDS?
The Wofford Debating Society is Wofford’s only debating organization. We hold weekly in-house debates in which the Society's members and non-members discuss a wide variety of issues. These weekly debates are open to the public. We also sponsor special events on campus in order to promote thought and discussion among the Wofford community. Click here to learn more about the history of debate at Wofford. The officers and members of the Society are always willing to answer any questions you may have, so please feel free to ask us in person or by e-mail.
Additionally, the Society provides opportunities for competitive intercollegiate debate. However, since the Society’s founding in 2003, we have focused on the on-campus debate portion. This is who we are today and where we find our immediate roots. We have attempted to continue to grow in accordance with our traditions, especially in on campus debate and the pursuit of Eloquence in Defense of Liberty.
Does the Society engage in intercollegiate debate?
Yes, certain members of the Society also participate in competitive intercollegiate debate. Please contact Kate Thorpe for more information on intercollegiate debate.
What is the Calhoun-Preston Debate?
TBA
About the Weekly Debates
The weekly in-house debates differ from traditional formats of competitive debating and follow a formalized conversation model familiar to yesteryear’s literary and debating societies. Our format allows for anyone in attendance to have a say in the discussion while preserving orderly structure. The best way to see how it works is to attend a weekly meeting.
Where and when do debates occur?
Weekly In-house debates are held every Thursday evening at 8:00 in Olin 218.
Who can give a floor speech and when?
After the keynoters have given their opening remarks, the President will read the rules of the debate and open the floor for speeches. If you wish to speak, raise your hand. Non-members are always encouraged to give floor speeches, but the President will select speakers based on their seniority (the date they were inducted into the Society). Generally, there are more opportunities for non-members and less senior members to speak at the beginning of debates. However, the Vice President of the Society traditionally has speaking privileges over all other members. Chancellors (former Presidents), alumni and other officers generally are also given speaking privileges. The President has discretion to pass over individuals who are dressed inappropriately, do not behave becomingly during the meeting or have unpaid dues owed to the Society.
What is the proper attire for a debate?
Weekly attire is not rigorously stipulated; however, attire that respects those around you and demonstrates that you are debating in doors and not running a marathon is appreciated. If you are deemed to be dressed inappropriately, the President may pass over you in favor of someone properly attired, regardless of your seniority.
How are debate topics chosen?
Anyone may propose a topic to be debated. Topic can be submitted at business meetings, at debates, through our topic submission form or via e-mail. Nearly anything can be chosen as a topic, though topics are almost always based on serious issues. Topics general fit under the following categories: philosophical, historical, current events, policy, theological, and Wofford related. However, "fun" topics are occasionally chosen. Debate topics are chosen at business meetings, in a method determined by the President where the Society votes. Debate topics will be announced on this website, in flyers around campus and in a weekly e-mail sent by the Correspondence Secretary.
How are keynoters chosen?
Once topics and dates have been chosen, keynotes for each debate are offered to the membership in attendance at the business meeting. If more than one member wants to debate a specific side of a topic, the member with the highest seniority gets the keynote. However, the Society selects keynoters differently for the special debates. Once you are a member, it is important to attend the business meetings in order to obtain a keynote.