About the L&H
Welcome to the Literary & Historical Society!
The L&H is the Debating Union of University College Dublin, and as such primarily focuses on hosting controversial and topical debates
within the university for its members as well as entering teams in national and international tournaments.
For those who prefer the less argumentative side of things, we also host a number of nightclub events as well as UCD's only White-Tie Ball, the Strauss Ball.
I hope everyone will find an aspect to the society which suits them, be it attending the weekly house debates - where you can question politicians on policy, or philosophers on the meaning of life - meeting high profile guests, taking part in debating yourself within the college or at external competitions, or attending the social functions offered by the society.Throughout the course of the year the L&H aims to provide relevant and thought provoking debates, as well as the more lighthearted comedy debates, featuring well-known comedians, new talent, and student speakers alike. Our house debates, taking place every Wednesday night, promise knowledgeable and oratorical speakers, current issues, and controversy (such as the Euthinasia debate of the last session, which featured "Dr. Death" himself), with comedy debates lightening the atmosphere.
The L&H also hosts a number of debating competitions for its members who wish to hone their public speaking skills, or simply enjoy a good argument! The L&H host two "Maidens" competitions, for those with little or no experience of University level debating (with workshops beforehand, so no need to panic), as well as a further two competitions open to members of any standard or experience level. The society also hosts an inter-society competition aimed at pitting various societies who involve themselves in debating against each other, in pursuit of Title and trophy.
Members of the Society who enjoy competitive debating may also travel across the country and abroad as a representative of the society - competing against those from other colleges. The Society has been represented at every Irish competition in the past year, as well as many competitions across the British Isles, the European Championships and the World Championships, with great success - and this year we want it to be even bigger!
In return, the L&H also hosts a number of competitions for participants from institutions outside University College Dublin, one in July coming, and two prior to Halloween. These offer a chance for other societies to enjoy the hospitality the L&H has to offer, and for members in the L&H to showcase our hosting abilities, and offering members a chance to get involved, without necessarily having to argue against anyone else.
For those who don't see the appeal of debating, the society still has a lot to offer. Our nightclub event in Orientation Week is always a brilliant evening, a great chance to make new friends in a relaxed environment. For a more upmarket evening, the Strauss Ball is UCD's only white-tie ball is a night not to be missed, offering a champagne reception, a rose upon arrival, a four course dinner, a string quartet and the traditional waltzes before a live band and DJ later in the evening - it's always a spectacular night.
We hope our members will avail of the wide range of activities offered by the Literary & Historical Society, and hope you fill find it a pleasant and friendly society to engage with in this, our one hundred and fifty eighth session.
The Society is governed by a constitution which can be accessed here.
