The class will be divided into two teams. One team will argue for the Code of Hammurabi as fair and just while the other team will argue against the Code of Hammurabi.
Each team will present an opening argument in which they explain their position and offer support for their position. Opening arguments should be about four minutes in length and should include constructive statements. Any factual arguments must be supported by proper citations.
Each team will then break to form their rebuttal speeches. In the rebuttal, they should rebuild their opening arguments and then refute the points made by the opposing teams in their opening arguments. Rebuttals should be about six minutes in length and should include both constructive and destructive statements (must be supported by well-developed arguments). Again, any factual material should be cited. If time permits, we will present a rebuttal to the rebuttal in which teams will rebuild their opening arguments against the refutations made in the rebuttals.
Teams will be judged on their presentation style (eye contact, poise, delivery), the quality of their opening arguments (number of arguments, factual support, quality of reasoning) and the quality of their rebuttals (rebuilt the opening, addressed each position of the opponents, quality of reasoning). This assignment is worth 25 points.