Socratic Seminars Essay

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Pre-Seminar Question-Writing: Before you come to a Socratic Seminar class, please read the assigned text (novel section, poem, essay, article, etc.) and write at least one question in each of the following categories: WORLD CONNECTION QUESTION: Write a question connecting the text to the real world. Example: If you were given only 24 hours to pack your most precious belongings in a back pack and to get ready to leave your home town, what might you pack? (After reading the first 30 pages of NIGHT). CLOSE-ENDED QUESTION: Write a question about the text that will help everyone in the class come to an agreement about events or characters in the text. This question usually has a "correct" answer. Example: What tactics did Jeanne de Montfort use in defending her property? OPEN-ENDED QUESTION: Write an insightful question about the text that will require proof and group discussion and "construction of logic" to discover or explore the answer to the question. Example: Why did Gene hesitate to reveal the truth about the accident to Finny that first day in the infirmary? (after mid-point of A SEPARATE PEACE). Example: Why was it so important in the middle ages for women to risk their lives defending their property? UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTION: Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will encourage group discussion about the universality of the text. Example: Do you think that their actions increased men’s respect for women, or did it put increased pressure on women? Give reasons for your position. Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar 1. Refer to the text when needed during the discussion. A seminar is not a test of memory. Your goal is to understand the ideas, issues, and values reflected in the text. 2. It's OK to "pass" when asked to contribute.

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