Public speaking and rhetorical skills have been a at the heart of our educational tradition since the first classes convened at Marquette College (later Marquette University) in 1881. The Marquette Literary Society hosted public performances and competitions. Marquette became one of the first colleges in the Midwest hosting and participating in intercollegiate competitions.

Marquette University Debate is hosted by the Diederich College of Communication and is headquartered in historic Johnston Hall, the first classroom building of Marquette's beautiful urban campus.

We are planning a transition to the World University Debate format. Development of logical arguments on varying subjects is the focus and there is no high-speed oral reading of printed materials in this format.

Our meetings are held on Thursdays at 5 PM in the Debate Center at Johnston Hall.  There is a for-credit course option for MU students.

For more information, contact Dave Denomie, Director of Debate.