World History – Kelemen
Democratic Values Socratic Seminar Project -- Tuesday 9/6 and Wednesday 9/7
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 unit written assessment that will occur during the second half of class on Wednesday 9/7.
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.
 Students in the middle of the classroom will discuss an assigned Seminar Question (from list below).
 Students not in the center discussion circle should be attentive and take notes if they wish.
Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar
 Refer to prepared notes during the seminar.
 Using notes, participants should cite evidence and reasons for their statements.
 Participants should listen and be curious to build the conversation off of what others say. Asking
questions to clarify ideas in a clear voice and polite tone is expected.
 When not speaking, participants should be active listeners (eye contact and good posture).
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 Facts can be drawn from in class work, on line 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 diverse opinions and voices.
Seminar Discussion Questions (with background article links below)
Was the Greek city-state or the Roman Republic more democratic? Why?
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
Does belief in monotheistic religion help or hinder the growth of democracy? Why?
http://historywithmrgreen.com/page2/assets/Prologue%202.pdf
http://shma.com/2012/09/judaism-as-a-source-of-democratic-thought/
http://dailysignal.com/2016/04/22/how-christianity-helped-create-our-american-democracy
http://www.alternet.org/belief/6-ways-religion-does-more-bad-good
Should a smaller group of people to make important policies for everyone? Why/Why Not?
Is democracy always 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