In my experience intro to philosophy should be taken before your required English classes. Learning what is required in basic English classes would go smoother if the instructor did not have to address issues of values of the language used or how warranting statements work. The English class instructor can focus on what their classes goal, that is the academic structure required of college papers. Philosophy is the nuts and bolts of what you will write about working together.

I do not see making debates here as 'bad' or against academic integrity if you are using this site to flesh out ideas. Generally in philosophy classes you are to do this in class discussions but it doesn't hurt to have a little perspective going in. As long as you don't just plagiarize someones arguments you will be fine. As always discuss the idea with your instructor if you think there is a grey area, you know your teacher better than I.