2008 Woodie Awards
Professor coaches U.S. debate team
Sarah Kate Boltz
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Expressions
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Many students are not aware of the accomplishments of their professors outside of Samford. For instance, many do not know that Michael Janas, a professor in the communication studies department, is chairman and coach for the U.S. national debate team.
Janas is this year's chairman of the Committee for International Discussion and Debate (CIDD). The CIDD has been part of the National Communication Association for 85 years. Janas began working on the CIDD and other national committees during his time as the Samford Debate Team coach, and now he is responsible for the U.S. team's tours to international competitions hosted in and out of the country. This past June, he coached the U.S. team when they toured Japan.
Thirty college students applied for positions on the team, and eight made the cut to interview in Washington, D.C. Two students made the team, one from Emory University and one from Cornell University.
Samford student Erin Ramsey, a junior political science and communication studies double major, achieved a spot as an alternate on the team.
"It was a big honor to be chosen as an alternate, especially because I was on the younger end of all the applicants," Ramsey said. She said the real challenge for qualifying for a national team is "not only proving solid debate skills, but also showing the potential to teach what you love to others."
Teaching debate was part of Janas' responsibility during the Japan tour. Prior to debates, Janas gave an introduction lecture about debate. The teams were invited to high schools, colleges and businesses for debates.
"Oddly, the debate that was closest was against some executives from the Nissin Company (who produce Ramen noodles). They were vice-presidents and were a little more confident than most of our college-aged competitors," Janas said. However, the team mainly debated in schools.
One particular memorable debate Janas remembered occurred in front of an audience of kindergarten students. The U.S. team was helping a Japanese team to prepare for the upcoming World Schools Debate Tournament. As part of practice the two teams debated the topic of which was better: Japanese comic books, called manga, or real books, such as novels.
Janas is this year's chairman of the Committee for International Discussion and Debate (CIDD). The CIDD has been part of the National Communication Association for 85 years. Janas began working on the CIDD and other national committees during his time as the Samford Debate Team coach, and now he is responsible for the U.S. team's tours to international competitions hosted in and out of the country. This past June, he coached the U.S. team when they toured Japan.
Thirty college students applied for positions on the team, and eight made the cut to interview in Washington, D.C. Two students made the team, one from Emory University and one from Cornell University.
Samford student Erin Ramsey, a junior political science and communication studies double major, achieved a spot as an alternate on the team.
"It was a big honor to be chosen as an alternate, especially because I was on the younger end of all the applicants," Ramsey said. She said the real challenge for qualifying for a national team is "not only proving solid debate skills, but also showing the potential to teach what you love to others."
Teaching debate was part of Janas' responsibility during the Japan tour. Prior to debates, Janas gave an introduction lecture about debate. The teams were invited to high schools, colleges and businesses for debates.
"Oddly, the debate that was closest was against some executives from the Nissin Company (who produce Ramen noodles). They were vice-presidents and were a little more confident than most of our college-aged competitors," Janas said. However, the team mainly debated in schools.
One particular memorable debate Janas remembered occurred in front of an audience of kindergarten students. The U.S. team was helping a Japanese team to prepare for the upcoming World Schools Debate Tournament. As part of practice the two teams debated the topic of which was better: Japanese comic books, called manga, or real books, such as novels.