Journal for Distinguished Language Proficiency 8: Beyond the Language: Debating as High-Intensity Cultural Engagement & Leadership (Emilie Cleret)

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Article: Beyond the Language: Debating as High-Intensity Cultural Engagement & Leadership by Emilie Cleret (French War College)

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This article discusses the use of debating in senior professional military education (PME) at the French War College in Paris to help officers reach native-like English language competence. 

In France, senior Professional Military Education (PME) is delivered by two schools – Ecole de Guerre (French War College) and Centre des hautes études militaires, (Centre for Higher Military Studies). This article explores the use of debating by the English Studies Department to support the officers’ effort to achieve a native-like level of second language (L2) competence during their one-year course in the French War College. The author’s perspective is that of a practitioner who heads this department, designs the courses, and manages the faculty that delivers them. All the members of the faculty are from English-speaking countries. 

Keywords: Debating, Leadership, (French) Military Education, Culture, Argumentation, Public Speaking