SOCRATIC SEMINAR
Description: The Socratic Method was given to us by a Classical Greek philosopher named Socrates
(470-399 B.C.). Socrates was convinced that the surest way to attain reliable knowledge was through
the practice of disciplined conversation. He believed in the practice of examining opinions or ideas
logically, often by the method of question and answer, so as to determine their validity. In a Socratic
Seminar, participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas in the text through rigorously
thoughtful dialogue, rather than by memorizing bits of information.
Guidelines: In order to have a successful experience it is paramount that you understand that a Socratic
Seminar is a dialogue, not a debate. It is designed to help you develop higher order thinking skills
through discussion, questioning and efforts to define abstract concepts like truth, justice, beauty and
equality. It is meant to reason collectively in order to build on each other’s ideas, as well as to challenge
each other in a non-aggressive manner. Disrespecting others ideas will not be tolerated.
Definitions:
 Dialogue – An exchange of ideas in which there is no intention to reach a decision.
 Discussion – An exchange of ideas in which there is an intention to reach a decision or
conclusion.
 Debate – An interplay wherein one idea is proved correct and all opposing viewpoints are
undermined.
Preparation Packet: You are to read the text(s) carefully, and complete the preparation packet
thoughtfully. Your completed preparation packet is your “ticket” to the in-class seminar; if the packet is
not complete at the beginning of class the day of the seminar, you will not be allowed to participate in
the seminar and will forfeit seminar credit. No late packets will be accepted – no exceptions.
Seminar: You are expected to be an active participant in the seminar. Your meaningful participation in
the seminar will help us all learn more. Seminar Specifics:
1. You must complete the participation packet to participate.
2. You’ll be expected to contribute one time with a “grounding comment” to start the seminar.
Have this prepared in advance. From there, the discussion will be opened up to all. You’ll need
to contribute meaningfully a minimum of 2 more times to receive full credit.
3. You do not need to raise your hand – speak when you have something to say or a question to
ask. But please do not monopolize the discussion. Take turns speaking and try not to interrupt
others.
4. Listen carefully and take notes during the discussion. Your notes will help you write your essay.
They will also help you make your comments during the discussion.
5. Speak up, so all participants can hear you.
6. Absolutely no side talking or whispering to your neighbor!
7. Talk to all, not just to the teacher. Address each other by name.
8. Refer to the text(s) often! A seminar is not a test of memory. Have the text in front of you, with
important ideas you want to discuss highlighted.
9. Challenge yourself to speak articulately. Work to avoid informal words: “like,” “things,” “stuff,”
“you know.”
10. Critique ideas, not people. You can disagree without being disagreeable.
Reflection: Following the seminar, write a reflection. Your reflection should thoughtfully answer this
question: What did you learn from the text and our seminar? In your answer, refer to specific quotes
from the text(s) and dialogue comments. Also be sure to connect the dialogue to our study of history.
Each Socratic Seminar is worth 50 points. Therefore, you need to be in class on the days seminars are
scheduled. If you have an excused absence, you will need to make an appointment with me in order to
make-up credit. If your absence is unexcused, all credit will be forfeited.
SOCRATIC SEMINAR PREPARATION PACKET
Using the “APPARTY” format, analyze each document (keeping the focus question in mind) in order to
prepare your grounding statement for the seminar.
Focus question:
Is it ethical for a government or media organization to use propaganda in order to influence a
given population?
APPARTY Format:
AUTHOR
 Who is the author and what is their point of view?
PLACE & TIME
 Where and when was the source produced and how might this affect the meaning of the
source?
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
 What background information do you know that would help you further understand the source?
AUDIENCE
 For whom was the source created and how might this affect the reliability of the source?
REASON
 Why was this source produced and how might this affect the reliability of the source?
THE MAIN IDEA
 What point is the source trying to convey?
YEAH? SO WHAT?
 Why is this source important? Ask yourself, “So what?” in relation to the question asked.
Seminar Grounding Statement and Notes:
Name: _____________________________
SOCRATIC SEMINAR SCORE SHEET
AP US HISTORY
Seminar Topic________________________
1. Preparation Packet Score:
All questions are answered completely and thoughtfully
_____/10 points
2. Seminar Participation Score:
This score reflects your contribution to our dialogue
_____/15 points
3. Reflection Score:

Shows a strong understanding of the seminar topic and its influence on history

Cites text, dialogue, and related history

Shows thought and effort put into the reflection
_____/25 points
Total Score:
Comments:
_____/50 points