SOCRATES: Who is this Dude?

What do you see in this picture? What are they doing? Which one is Socrates?

Distinguishing Discussion from Debate

Dialogue Debate

Discussion is collaborative Debate is oppositional(Multiple sides work toward (Two opposing sides try to

shared understanding) prove each other wrong.)

One listens to understand, One listens to find flaws,

One listens to make meaning One listens to spot differences

One listens to find common ground One listens to counter arguments

Enlarges participant’s point of view Defends assumptions of truth

Creates open-ended attitude Creates close-minded attitude

Calls for suspending one’s beliefs Calls for investing in one’s beliefs

Searches for strength in all positions Searches for weaknesses

Respects all participants Rebuts contrary positions

Assumes co-op leads to Assumes a single-right

greater understanding that somebody already has

Remains open-ended Demands a conclusion

Socratic Seminar

Participant Guidelines

Use the text during the seminar. Understanding, not memorization is the goal.

Only participate if prepared

Take turns speaking

Ask for clarification if confused

Listen carefully to other participants

Speak up so others are able to hear you

Talk to each other, not just to the leader or teacher

Discuss ideas, not opinions

Stay on point – make notes about new ideas and return later

Ask to pass if you do not want to contribute

Expectations of Participants

Pause & Think before Responding

Defend Judgements with Textual Evidence

Listen Attentively & Patiently

Listen & Respond Critically

Clarify others Positions & Support Peer’s Judgement

Maintain Open & Curious Mind

Move Seminar Forward

Search for Connections to Earlier Readings

Avoid Repetition

Express ideas clearly & succinctly

Remain Courteous & Respectful

Remain willing to change mind

Socratic Circle: (Religion: How much power should the church have?)

Warm up videos

Excommunication: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRt2cKvJLlE

Indulgences: http://app.discoveryeducation.com/search?N=18343+4294948743&browseFilter=d_Service:DE%20Streaming,

Question: As we have seen through our studies of the Reformation the church was a very powerful organization. The Pope had power over every ruler and had the ability to excommunicate people (sentence them to hell). How much power should the church and the Pope have today? What should or shouldn’t they be allowed to do?

1. You need to come up with 2 questions to ask the class regarding our reading

Questions to consider:

Who chooses what happens to you after you die?

What role does religion play in your life?

Can you think of any reason indulgences would be okay?

What does it mean when someone is excommunicated? Should the Pope be allowed to do this?

Should the Catholic Church support other religions?

What is the purpose of religion?

What should happen to money that is donated to the church?

Socratic Circle: Reflection

Religion

1. What are two things that you learned today about religion/the church/or the Reformation?

2. What is your opinion about the role of church and religion in today’s world? Did you opinion change at all during today’s discussion?

3. In class we discussed indulgences and excommunication, what are they and is it okay for a church to practices these acts?

Socratic Circle: Activity Sheet

While you are in the Outer Circle you need to trace the conversation that is happening in the Inner Circle. You need to write each student’s name on the outside of the circle and draw a line to each person when they talk. While you are tracking the conversation, watch for the answers to the questions below.

Who is the leader of the discussion?

What was the best question? Why? Write on question to ask the inner circle group:

What was the best response to a question? Why?