Debating

Paris-Saclay University Debate Club

Open to students from: UFRs Science / Pharma / Droit / STAPS / IOGS / POLYTECH

Course objectives

The objectives of the course are to develop and improve students':

  • public speaking
  • speech writing
  • rebuttal skills
  • research skills
  • team spirit
  • analytical thinking
  • critical mind
  • self-confidence

Course organisation

  • Tuesdays 18h00-20h30.
  • Late September 2026 - early December + inter-university tournament early spring.
  • Classes in Bâtiment Eiffel (Plateau de Saclay campus).
  • Open to students of any composante of Paris-Saclay (except Centrale-Supélec students, who should contact Divya Madhavan).
  • Open to L2, L3, M1 & M2 students with a level (B2+)/C1/C2.
  • Subject to acceptance (max 16 students) - see below for how to apply.
  • This class can replace your usual English UE (with the agreement of the language coordinator).
  • Includes participation in the FDA Tournament team. Our weekly meetings are essential to forging the team spirit needed to win the tournament! 5-8 students from UPS Debate Club will make the UPS team, the others help preparing the debates.
  • Assessment - 100% Contrôle continu.

In 2025 Paris-Saclay were finalists in the French national FDA tournament and debated at the Assemblée Nationale! 

Watch this 2 minute clip of the team members: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O28j9jTOxvslNsnOhCQH7KqNeLkLNHR6/view

Read about Paris Saclay's debating success here: https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/actualites/luniversite-paris-saclay-victorieuse-du-tournoi-de-la-french-debating-association-avec-deux-equipes-finalistes

 

How can I join the Debating Club? 

To apply, please email duncan.thom@gmail.com before 24th September 2026 with the following information:

Email title 'Debating Club Application'.

  1. Name
  2. Level in English
  3. Filière and Year
  4. English teacher + English coordinator (if you know it)
  5. Mobile number (please indicate if you don't want to be added to the internal Debate Club Whatsapp group) 
  6. Institutional AND personal email address.
  7. Can you commit to coming to the weekly Tuesday 18h-20h30 classes on the plateau de Saclay?
  8. Can you commit to joining the UPS team if selected for the spring inter-university tournament / supporting
    the university team at debates if you're not selected?
  9. 2 or 3 short paragraphs (in the body of your email, not as an attachment) answering the following: Some
    information about your background, interests, where you have lived, any experience in English-speaking
    countries, why you want to join the UPS Debate Club.
  10. Most importantly for your application : a 90-120 second video explaining which animal you think is 'the
    best' and why. Give as many diverse reasons as possible (you could refer to science, literature, philosophy,
    economics, pop culture...) being both persuasive and entertaining - be original, funny and clear!
    Please also speak to the camera (don't read) with a dynamic speaking style. Good luck :-)

 

Why debate?

It improves your English. It trains you to write, to speak, to think on your feet. 
It is fun and often feels great.  Especially when your team wins…    
It pays. It replaces your standard English UE, you'll get a few free drinks during the FDA Tournament, and a superb network of debaters from other Universities and Grandes Ecoles.
It trains in useful skills for your future professional, social and personal life.  Discover strategies to persuade and influence your future boss, banker, customers, girl-/boy-friend...