Description
Course Overview
Join Dr. Matthew Maddex, a distinguished educator with over 18 years of experience in the Communication field, for an engaging and transformative Argumentation and Debate course. Dr. Maddex, a recent addition to Bakersfield College, brings his passion for competitive speaking and his commitment to student success to ProtoCommunications. This course is designed to help students find their voice, develop critical thinking skills, and master the art of persuasive communication.
Instructor Background
Dr. Maddex’s journey in education began at Long Beach City College, where he discovered his love for speech and debate under the mentorship of a professor and BC alum. This passion led him to earn a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Communication, with a primary goal of coaching students in speech and debate. Since joining Bakersfield College in Fall 2022, Dr. Maddex has been an integral part of the BC Southwest campus and the Arvin High School early college program.
Course Objectives
- Develop Argumentation Skills: Learn the principles of constructing sound arguments, identifying logical fallacies, and engaging in respectful discourse.
- Enhance Public Speaking: Build confidence and proficiency in delivering speeches, presentations, and debates in front of an audience.
- Critical Thinking: Sharpen analytical skills to evaluate different perspectives and form well-reasoned conclusions.
- Real-World Application:** Apply learned skills to real-life scenarios, enhancing personal, professional, and community interactions.
Teaching Philosophy: (submit philosophy)