Debate LAB: Boot Camp (Byblos Campus)
Ready to train some different muscles this summer? At LAU, we invite you to give your logic, dialogue, and debate muscles an intense workout. Learn the art of debate, immerse yourselves in the beauty of logic, and partner with other students to strategize and reach a common goal.Each day blends knowledge of logic and argumentation with immersive activities that encourage risk-taking and active dialogue. Students will craft arguments, identify fallacies, and test their knew-found knowledge while working on developing talking points and dynamic presentation skills. They will also experiment with group discussion formats like Socratic Dialogue, Harkness Method, and British Parliamentary Debates. These activities are guaranteed to improve lifelong skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and research. The sessions will also emphasize responsible use of AI to develop ideas while retaining the student’s authentic voice.
Throughout the week, participants will experience real campus life, connect with LAU faculty and professionals, and develop collaboration and presentation skills. The camp concludes with an exciting debate competition, where students prove that debate is a real sport – one that challenges both mind and heart.
Camp Objectives:
- Develop Foundational Debate Skills
- Structure a logical argument
- Enhance Public Speaking Confidence
- Cultivate Critical Thinking
- Foster Collaborative Learning
- Develop Ethical Research Proficiency in the Age of AI
Camp Structure: 5 Days (Morning instruction and daily afternoon practice from 8:30am-4:30pm)
Monday, June 29, 2026
|
Date |
Program |
Location |
Person(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 - 09:30 | Registration and Breakfast | Cafeteria |
|
| 09:30 - 09:45 | Chairperson’s address | Dr. Rony Khnayzer | |
| 10:00 - 11:00 | Welcome to Debate Lab and Icebreaker (Debate Olympics) | Drs. Emily Gafney and Reine Azzi | |
| 11:00 - 12:00 | Understanding Debate Basics: Terminology, formats, and why debate matters | Dr. Reine Azzi | |
| 12:00 - 12:30 | Student Recruitment Presentation | CHSC Auditorium | |
| 12:30-1:30 | Lunch with Faculty | Cafeteria | |
| 1:30-3:00 | Argument Construction Workshop - Practice building strong arguments with current Lebanese topics | Dr. Emily Gafney | |
| 3:15-4:30 | Voice & Presence Training - Work on vocal projection, body language, and confidence building | Drs. Emily Gafney and Reine Azzi |
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
|
Date |
Program |
Location |
Person(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 - 09:00 | Breakfast | Cafeteria |
|
| 09:00 - 10:00 | Reflection & Goal Setting - Personal skill assessments and personal development plans | Drs. Emily Gafney and Reine Azzi | |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Research Bootcamp - Learn to find credible sources and evaluate information (including AI-generated content) | Dr. Reine Azzi | |
| 11:00– 11:30 | Evidence Scavenger Hunt - Teams research and build case files on current Lebanese issues | Dr. Emily Gafney | |
| 11:30- 12:00 | Honor’s Program Lecture | CHSC Auditorium | Drs. Lama Mattar and Myriam Malhame |
| 12:00-12:30 | Campus Tour | ||
| 12:30-1:30 | Lunch with Honor’s Program Coordinators | Cafeteria | |
| 1:30-4:30 | Prep for mini debates and mini-debate battles (2-player challenges) | Drs. Emily Gafney and Reine Azzi |
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
|
Date |
Program |
Location |
Person(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 - 09:00 | Breakfast | Cafeteria |
|
| 09:00 - 10:15 | Fallacy Detective - Learn to identify common logical fallacies with real-world examples | Dr. Emily Gafney | |
| 10:15 - 12:30 | Socratic Dialogue Workshop - Practice the art of questioning and deep discussion | Dr. Reine Azzi | |
| 12:30-1:30 | Lunch | Cafeteria | |
| 1:30-3:00 | Logic Puzzles & Games - Engaging brain teasers to strengthen reasoning skills | Dr. Emily Gafney | |
| 3:00-4:30 | Logic Challenge Finals - Team competition applying fallacy detection and reasoning skills | Dr. Reine Azzi |
Thursday, July 2, 2026
|
Date |
Program |
Location |
Person(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 - 09:00 | Breakfast | Cafeteria |
|
| 09:00 - 10:15 | Advanced Argument Techniques - Master rebuttals, cross-examination, and persuasive speaking | Dr. Emily Gafney | |
| 10:15 - 12:00 | Presentation Skills Masterclass - Work on delivery, timing, and audience engagement | Dr. Reine Azzi | |
| 12:00 - 01:00 | Financial Aid Office Lecture | CHSC Auditorium | |
| 01:00-02:00 | Lunch | Cafeteria | |
| 2:00-3:30 | Parliamentary Debate Practice - Learn British Parliamentary format and practice team coordination | Dr. Reine Azzi | |
| 3:30-4:30 | Harkness Method Introduction - Learn to facilitate and participate in roundtable discussions | Dr. Emily Gafney |
Friday, July 3, 2026
|
Date |
Program |
Location |
Person(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 - 09:00 | Breakfast | Cafeteria |
|
| 09:00 - 10:15 | Topic Preparation Workshop - Research and prepare arguments/talking points for final competition topics | Drs. Emily Gafney and Reine Azzi | |
| 10:15 - 12:30 | Practice Tournament - Full parliamentary debate rounds with feedback | Dr. Reine Azzi | |
| 12:30-1:30 | Lunch with Faculty | Cafeteria | |
| 1:30-2:30 | Final team prep and rehearsals | Drs. Emily Gafney and Reine Azzi | |
| 2:30-3:30 | Debate Competition Finals - Full parliamentary debates with judges and audience | Drs. Emily Gafney and Reine Azzi | |
| 3:30-4:30 | Awards Ceremony | Drs. Emily Gafney and Reine Azzi |