Applications Open! Enroll for Summer 2027 at 2026 Tuition Pricing Until Sept 30
Strengthen speaking, rebuttal, and debate strategy in this 2-week program for high school students on Georgetown University’s campus.
Course Description
What makes an argument persuasive when the stakes are high? Students examine how structure, evidence, word choice, voice, pacing, and body language influence an audience. Short speaking games and low-pressure speeches give them repeated opportunities to organize ideas, test delivery choices, and respond to focused feedback.
The course moves from individual speaking to structured argument. Students develop claims, reasons, evidence, counterarguments, and rebuttals, then practice cross-examination and respectful questioning. Argument maps help teams see where a position is strong, where evidence is missing, and how an opposing side may respond. Students also learn how judges evaluate clarity, logic, listening, and fairness.
A final team debate brings the process together. Students prepare roles, research support, draft questions and closing statements, complete practice rounds, and revise before presenting. Every student contributes as a speaker, debater, or judge, applying persuasive communication while listening carefully and disagreeing with respect.
This two-week course takes place at Georgetown University. The course is available to residential and commuter students. Beyond class, students connect focused academic work with campus life, growing independence, and clearer direction about what students may want to study or pursue next. The program is developed by Georgetown University and offered in partnership with Summer Discovery.
What Will You Do?
• Organize short speeches with clear openings, evidence, and conclusions
• Practice posture, eye contact, pacing, tone, and audience awareness
• Build argument maps from claims, reasons, and supporting evidence
• Develop respectful rebuttals and cross-examination questions
• Apply a scoring template while serving as a debate judge
• Prepare and participate in a structured final team debate
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Organize and deliver a persuasive speech for a defined audience
• Construct and defend an evidence-based argument while addressing counterclaims
• Evaluate a debate using criteria for clarity, evidence, refutation, and listening
Students leave with practiced speeches, debate materials, and a stronger ability to communicate with clarity and purpose.
Why Rhetoric Skills Matter
Rhetorical skill helps students turn an idea into a clear, supportable argument. Organizing claims and evidence makes reasoning easier to follow, while delivery choices help a speaker earn attention without relying on volume or confidence alone. Rebuttal and cross-examination teach students to listen for the actual point before responding.
Those habits matter in seminars, presentations, interviews, leadership roles, and civic discussion. Peer feedback adds another layer: students must describe what worked, identify a specific improvement, and use criticism constructively. The result is stronger communication and more disciplined thinking under pressure.
Who Should Attend?
This course is for high school students who have completed 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and want to become more persuasive speakers, thoughtful listeners, and strategic participants in discussion. It fits interests in debate, law, government, business, leadership, journalism, or any field that values clear communication.
Participants should be willing to speak in front of classmates, research an issue, collaborate with a team, and give and receive respectful feedback. No formal debate experience is required. Students who are ready to practice, revise, and engage with opposing views will benefit most.
Recommended by More Than 4 out of 5 Students
Based on students surveyed in 2026 about Summer Discovery High School programs at Georgetown University campus.
Why Georgetown?
Summer Discovery at Georgetown gives high-school students the opportunity to explore an academic interest while experiencing campus life in Washington, D.C. Its historic campus and surrounding neighborhood sit near embassies, institutions, and organizations that shape national and international conversations, giving the summer a distinctive sense of place.
Summer Discovery students learn alongside peers with similar interests, navigate a new environment, and gain independence through everyday choices and responsibilities. Time outside class helps students experience the broader rhythm of university life while considering what subjects, communities, and possible directions feel right for them. For families, Summer Discovery offers a combination of substantive academic exploration, personal growth, and clearer insight into what a student may want to study or pursue next.
The program is developed by Georgetown in partnership with Summer Discovery.
Summer Discovery Certificate of Completion
After successfully finishing this course, you will be awarded a certification completion for your accomplishment.
*This is a preview, not what you will receive