Debate and Diplomacy: An International Relations Workshop 2100-MON-DECL-OG

This course is divided into three core focus areas, each designed to build a distinct but interconnected set of skills.

40% of the course will be about teachings on how to craft a compelling diplomatic speech, structure a persuasive argument, use rhetorical techniques, command presence and delivery, and tailor their message to a specific audience and political context.

40%, of the course is dedicated to introducing structured debates and open discussions on pressing global issues. Students will be assigned positions, challenged to argue multiple perspectives, and pushed to engage critically with opposing viewpoints. This forms the core of the course because the ability to articulate, defend, and challenge ideas is the most transferable skill students can take beyond the classroom, whether into careers in law, policy, business, or public service.

The remaining 20% is devoted to guided briefings, case study analysis, and structured reflection. Students will review real-world diplomatic history and unpack lessons from their simulations, ensuring that all practical work remains grounded in academic context and connected to the broader landscape of international relations.

Course coordinators

Adithyan Nair

Type of course

elective courses

Mode

Classroom

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to identify and explain the key actors, institutions, and frameworks that shape the international system, and analyze pressing global challenges through multiple theoretical and political perspectives. They will construct and defend well-structured, evidence-based arguments in formal debate settings, while also applying diplomatic thinking in negotiation simulations by representing assigned positions, forming alliances, and working toward collective resolutions. Students will develop the ability to communicate effectively across differing cultural, political, and ideological viewpoints, and will leave the course with the reflective capacity to evaluate their own performance, incorporate feedback, and continuously strengthen both their debate and diplomacy skills.

Assessment criteria

Group Presentation (50%) - Students will be assessed on their ability to collaboratively analyze a real-world diplomatic case study and present their findings and proposed solutions in a structured and coherent manner.

Debate Performance (30%) - Students will be assessed on their ability to construct clear, evidence-based arguments, respond effectively to opposing viewpoints, and communicate with confidence and clarity during in-class debates.

Attendance (20%) - Regular attendance is essential to the learning experience of this course. Students are permitted to miss a maximum of 2 classes across the semester; absences beyond this will directly impact the attendance grade.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes: