World History - Greenberg
Democratic Values Socratic Seminar
Monday 9/8 & Tuesday 9/9
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”.
General Format of Socratic Seminar:
 About a third of the class will sit in the center of the room in a circle for about 20/25 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 if you wish.
 Notes taken during the seminar (and only these) may be used for help on the unit test.
Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar
 Refer to prepared notes during the seminar.
 Using your notes, cite evidence and reasons for your statements.
 Ask other participants questions to clarify their ideas.
 Take turns speaking (you should not have to raise your hands), be aware and polite.
 Follow proper listening & speaking techniques (ex: eye contact, posture, clear voice, etc)
Assessment of Socratic Seminar (Part of “Projects/Tests/Papers” Category for Gradebook)
 Preparatory Notes (10 points)
o Include relevant details (facts) as well as opinions (analysis) relating to all seminar questions
o Incorporate ideas from text reading, in class work, articles and own opinions/experiences
 Participation in Seminar (10 points)
o Participate in your own voice – do not just reading from notes
o Be curious and attentive to rest of group. Be both a speaker and listener.
Seminar Discussion Questions
Was the Greek city-state or the Roman Republic more democratic?
Why?
Why do the ancient Greek city-state and Roman Republic matter today?
Does belief in monotheistic religion help or hinder the growth of
democracy? Why?
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?
Articles to read for background and help in doing Preparatory Notes
http://classroom.synonym.com/differences-between-democracy-republic-ancient-times9149.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athenian_democracy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_elements_of_Roman_Republic
http://www.worldissues360.com/index.php/basic-ideals-monotheistic-religions-have-incommon-with-democracy-7877/
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-democracy.html
http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-democracy-the-best-form-of-government
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/why_democracy/timeline/html/non_fla
sh.stm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/greekdemocracy_01.shtml
Remember the conversational
skills we practiced!
Be concise: Get to your point
quickly.
Listen to others
Reflect on what others are saying
Everyone participates. Create an
environment where that can
happen.