Debate Job Sign-up

Please sign-up for a job in the comments section below! 

As an usher (2 students needed) 
As a decorator or helping with set-up for the reception. (2-3 students needed) 
As a punch bowl monitor or server (1-2 students needed)
Also, if you are bringing drinks or punch/punchbowl could you please indicate that in the comments


Thanks!!!



Dr. Parker

Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

Please listen to: The Symphony of Sorrowful Songs by Henryk Gorecki

The 20th century was one of the darkest periods in human history. Henryk Gorecki, a polish composer, experienced much of the worst that the century had to offer. In 1992 a recording of his third symphony was released which became one of the most important recordings of contemporary classical music to ever be released. This term we have discussed the many wars, coups, and other tragedies that marked the last half of the 20th century. Please take this time to reflect, read through the symphony's texts, and listen.

If at all possible, please listen to this piece in one sitting (ideally in the dark, with headphones on!)

First Movement: 

My son, my chosen and beloved
Share your wounds with your mother
And because, dear son, I have always carried you in my heart,
And always served you faithfully
Speak to your mother, to make her happy,
Although you are already leaving me, my cherished hope.

Lamentation of the Holy Cross Monastery from the "Lysagóra Songs" collection. Second half of the 15th century

Second Movement:

No, Mother, do not weep,
Most chaste Queen of Heaven
Support me always.
"Zdrowas Mario." *

Prayer inscribed on wall 3 of cell no. 3 in the basement of "the Palace," the Gestapo's headquarters in Zadopane; beneath is the signature of Helena Wanda Blazusiakówna, and the words "18 years old, imprisoned since 26 September 1944."


* "Zdrowas Mario" (Ave Maria)—the opening of the Polish prayer to the Holy Mother
Third Movement:

Where has he gone
My dearest son?
Perhaps during the uprising
The cruel enemy killed him

Ah, you bad people
In the name of God, the most Holy,
Tell me, why did you kill
My son?

Never again
Will I have his support
Even if I cry
My old eyes out

Were my bitter tears
to create another River Oder
They would not restore to life
My son

He lies in his grave
and I know not where
Though I keep asking people
Everywhere

Perhaps the poor child
Lies in a rough ditch
and instead he could have been
lying in his warm bed

Oh, sing for him
God's little song-birds
Since his mother
Cannot find him

And you, God's little flowers
May you blossom all around
So that my son
May sleep happily

Readings

The End of History

The Clash of Civilizations

Debate Information

Dear Seniors, 
Before sharing the following information on this year's debate, I just wanted to let you know that we will be reverting to a single post-debate vote this year with the team which has received the most votes winning the debate. 

Kind Regards,
Dr. Parker

Arrival Time: I will be at the Greenhouse throughout the afternoon of May 4th, I recommend that you arrive by 5:30 pm to ensure that you have sufficient time to run through your entire debate, make corrections, and for us to do a simple rehearsal of the night's events.

Dress Code: Gentlemen, please wear a dark suit or blazer and dress pants. Your shirt should be a collared button-down, and you should wear a bow tie or long tie. Ladies, please wear a dress or suit in a dark color (grey, navy blue, or black). If you do not have any of these clothing items, there are options for borrowing items. Let me know soon! If you are a researcher, I ask that you dress up nicely.

Treats: Please bring a tray of treats to share at the post-debate reception. These should comply with Greenhouse food rules. If you have any special food needs, please bring something that you can enjoy! Please leave these trays in the dining area when you arrive. Additionally, I will need two or three students to bring beverages and a punch bowl. Please contact me if you would be willing to do this.

If you are not a speaker, I ask that you work in one of the following areas. 

As an usher (4 students needed) 
As a decorator or with the set-up crew for the reception. (3-4 students needed) 
As a punch bowl monitor or server (2-3 students needed)

Plan of the Evening: 

5:40 Wardrobe Check and Set-up Crew
6:00 Debate Practice and Review
6:15-6:30 Rehearsal
6:45 Gather for prayer
7 walk to the back hallway
7:05 Three Loud Knocks at the door, Sergeant-at-Arms Announces: "Mr. Chairman, Ladies, and Gentlemen, your debaters." Procession into the hall.
7:10 Introduction Speech
7:13 First Speaker for Prop.
7:20 First Speaker for the Op.
7:25 Second Speaker for the Prop.
7:30 Second Speaker for the Op.
7:35 Third Speaker for the Prop
7:40 Third Speaker for the Op.
7:45 Fourth Speaker for the Prop.
7:50 Fourth Speaker for the Op.
7:55 Open Floor Debate
8:05 Fifth Speaker for the Prop.
8:10 Fifth Speaker for the Op.
8:15 Sixth Speaker for the Prop.
8:20 Sixth Speaker for the Op.
8:25 Seventh Speaker for the Prop.
8:30 Seventh Speaker for the Op.
8:35 Dismissal to the Dining Hall; Reminder of the rules of voting; student ushers retire to the voting positions to take a tally.
8:40 The announcement of the winning team.

The Moscow Coup

99 Luftballons

The United States in Somalia

Teacher's Note: The class overview has been canceled to make room for a longer documentary.

Afghan Elvis

Please listen to: Afghan Elvis