Democratic Values Socratic Seminar
DUE: Tuesday 9/6 and BLOCK 9/7-8
In a Socratic Seminar, participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas through thoughtful dialogue and questioning of other participants – not debate. The teacher is a facilitator and observer, not the “expert”. This is the review activity for the Short Essay Written test (on block 9/7-8)
General Format of Socratic Seminar:
· About a third of the class will sit in the center of the room in a circle for about 20 minutes.
· Each group will discuss the Seminar Questions listed below in any order they choose.
· When you are not in the center discussion circle, be attentive and take notes.
Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar
· Refer to prepared notes during the seminar.
· Using your notes, cite evidence and reasons for your statements.
· Build your conversation off of what others’ say. Ask other participants questions to clarify their ideas. Be aware and polite. This is part of a cooperative conversation.
· Follow proper listening & speaking techniques (ex: eye contact, posture, clear voice, wait your turn etc) Take turns speaking (you should not have to raise your hands).
Assessment of Socratic Seminar (Part of “Projects” Category for Gradebook)
· Preparatory Notes (10 points) – INDIVIDUAL GRADE
o Include relevant details (facts) as well as opinions (analysis) relating to all seminar questions below
o Incorporate ideas from text reading, in class work, articles and own opinions/experiences
o While listening to others speak, feel free to add notes or follow up questions
· Participation in Seminar (10 points) - GROUP GRADE
o All participate in their own voice – not just read from notes.
o All provide relevant and evidence-based arguments
o All cooperate to include various opinions and voices.
Seminar Discussion Questions
1. Was the Greek city-state or the Roman Republic more democratic? Why?
2. Why do the ancient Greek city-state and Roman Republic matter today?
http://classroom.synonym.com/differences-between-democracy-republic-ancient-times-9149.html
http://classroom.synonym.com/differences-similarities-roman-greek-politics-19965.html
3. Does belief in monotheistic religion help or hinder the growth of democracy? Why?
http://historywithmrgreen.com/page2/assets/Prologue%202.pdf
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=19&ved=0ahUKEwj08OmmpunOAhVBzmMKHYFhA1w4ChAWCFIwCA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wuhsd.org%2Fcms%2Flib%2FCA01000258%2FCentricity%2FDomain%2F238%2FThe%2520Judeo-Christian%2520Tradition.ppt&usg=AFQjCNFna1BmQ-vMFh2CsYjmBkNrZtG9QQ
Religion in America Study: http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/
4. Is it ever better to allow a smaller group of people in a society to make important policies for everyone without having a vote? Why/Why Not?
Is democracy the best way to govern a society? Why/Why Not?
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-democracy.html
http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-democracy-the-best-form-of-government
http://greengarageblog.org/12-vital-pros-and-cons-of-democracy
https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/Pros-and-Cons-of-Democracy