World History – Kelemen- 2017
The Rise of Totalitarianism Socratic Seminar
Socrates thought that questioning society was the best way to understand and improve it. Participants in a Socratic
Seminar seek to better understand complex ideas through thoughtful dialogue and questioning. This dialogue is driven by
students and not the teacher. Students are expected to help each other deepen and clarify their understanding - not to
argue or disrespect others. A challenging and worthwhile task! On Tuesday, March 7, our class will have a thoughtful
Socratic Seminar addressing these major questions:
How did Totalitarian leaders rise to power during the 1920s and 1930s and why does this still matter to us today?
Seminar Preparation: Creating Questions and “Talking Points” Notes (10 points)
Step 1: Come up with TWO (third for extra credit) questions that you want to pose to the group relating to the rise of
totalitarianism AND provide details that answer for your questions. You must have at least one of each type of question
Analytical Question – (a “compare & contrast” question)
A question that seeks to interpret or compare ideas we have studied and make conclusions based on them.
Ex: How did Stalin, Mussolini and Hitler all use indoctrination to gain power? Who was more successful?
Synthesis Question – (a “why does it matter now” question)
A question that seeks to make a connection between the events we are studying and other situations.
Ex: Why do many people in the world today still accept authoritarian rule?
Step 2: Answer your questions by listing bullet point facts, ideas, and opinions that relate to the questions you create.
For each question, you should have about a ½ page of notes. Use your unit packet assignments, homeworks, quizzes,
textbook and internet for help.
**Your score on the preparation will be based on your fulfillment of the expectations above and your use of class time**
Seminar Participation: Speaking and Listening Thoughtfully (10 points)
Step 3: During the seminar on Tuesday 3/7, you will have the opportunity to pose some of your questions to the group as
well as respond to the questions others ask.
Your score on seminar participation will be based on:
o Active Involvement (Engaged and respectful speaking & listening)
o Evidence (Supporting your ideas with specific names, details and quotes)
Socratic Seminar Participation Tips
Keeping up a good discussion takes work. It is a community effort that requires both knowledge and skill on the part of
all participants. Below are “sentence frames” you might want to use to help keep the conversation going. Using inclusive
and respectful statements like these will make the seminar better and raise your participation score.
When you want to acknowledge what others have said:
I agree with ______ because ______ but I want to add another point ______.
When you disagree with someone:
“I understand your point, _____, but I want to add/disagree/give another side:_____.”
To ask for more clarity of information:
“Could you explain your point further?” “Could you give us an example of what you are talking about?”
To invite others into the conversation
“I would like to hear what __________ has to say about this topic.”
Some articles that might help with Synthesis Questions:
North Korea country profile
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15256929
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36150807
Is Europe lurching to the Far Right?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2256222/Benito-Mussolini--fascist-dictator-PIN-UP-How-Italians-laud-Il-Duce-buying-2013-calendar.html
Mussolini's historical image regaining popularity
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2017-01-19/global-democracy-faces-nationalist-and-populist-movements
Global Democracy faces Nationalist and Populist Movements