Around eight years ago, I was browsing one day and found this listing of 'required' classes for a 1890s public college. So in the midst of that....it was plainly obvious that you were required in the very first year to attend a debate orientation class, and by the end of the second year.....you had to debate some basic topic (a 30 minute requirement between two individuals).
By the end of the 4th year......this came up again, where you had to present an argument, and talk over your subject. This was for a plain regular bachelor's degree.
I had a college professor once (while at Louisiana Tech) that made the obvious blunt statement.....all of this had disappeared after WW II. The college still offered debate but fewer than a hundred a year would take the marginalized class.
In the past decade, I've come to view debate and discussions as something clearly lacking by most politicians and journalists. Fewer than five Senators impress me with their skills. From the House....there might be two dozen with the skill to debate and discuss matters.
It's one of those talents that we probably had a lot of capability in the 1800s, and have evolved into a non-debate society today.
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