The Competitive Debating Student Research Club team from SWPS University in Katowice won the Oxford-Style Debate Competition on Modern Korea, which took place on October 19 at the University of Silesia in Katowice. Congratulations to the team members for their commendable performance!
SWPS University team’s success in debates on North and South Korea
Students from SWPS University's Faculty of Psychology in Katowice showcased strong public speaking skills and presented in-depth research, securing victory in the Oxford-Style Debate Competition on Modern Korea. The triumphant team, representing the Competitive Debating Student Research Club, comprised Grzegorz Gąsienica, Martyna Klimecka, Przemysław Majewski, and Kacper Szymański.
The event was a fantastic experience, and during our preparation, we learned a lot about the geopolitical and economic situation in South Korea. The number of Oxford-style debate competitions hosted in Poland is limited, so having the chance to debate before the Polish University Oxford Debate Championship is incredibly significant for us. We gained valuable experience that will contribute to our ability to represent SWPS University more effectively in Kraków in May.
Przemysław Majewski
Chair of the Competitive Debating Student Research Club
Przemysław Majewski during his speech
Grzegorz Gąsianica, Przemysław Majewski and Martyna Klimecka
Students preparing for an address
The Oxford-style debate is characterized by its formality and structure. Two teams, the "proposition" and the "opposition," argue for or against a predetermined motion. The sides are assigned randomly just before the debate begins. The jury evaluates the participants based on their proficiency in presenting substantive arguments.
During the Oxford-Style Debate Competition on Modern Korea, students debated the following motions:
- "As a defector from North Korea, I would return to my country of origin."
- "The South Korean feminist movement should actively advocate for including women in compulsory military conscription."
- "Assuming U.S. consent and acquiescence, South Korea should reintroduce a U.S. nuclear arsenal."
- "South Korean government should divide chaebols (industrial conglomerates) into smaller entities."
The competition was organized by students from the University of Silesia in Katowice.