Singer Solution Socratic Seminar

Socratic Seminar The Socratic Seminar is a student-centered discussion technique in which YOU will lead the discussion. I will not get involved in the talk—instead, you will ask questions of the group and respond to those questions in order to come to a deeper understanding of the topic and its meaning.

Ground Rules for Courteous Discussion 1. Speak so that all can hear you 2. Listen closely. 3. Speak without raising hands. 4. Refer to the text. 5. Talk to each other, not just to the leader. 6. Ask for clarification. Don’t stay confused. 7. Invite and allow others to speak. 8. Consider all viewpoints and ideas. 9. Know that you are responsible for the quality of the seminar

PREPARATION 1. Locate several pieces of evidence that you find are especially important to the topic. Make sure they are available for easy reference during the discussion. I recommend finding this evidence in advance of the discussion as well, as this will give you “talking points” from which you can work during the discussion. Observations are simply things that you notice that could spark further discussion. The goal is to call other’s attention to that aspect of the topic and to open up discussion.

PREPARATION 2. Write questions that occurred to you. I would recommend that you write at least one question for each of the “Generic Question Types for Socratic Seminar” listed below. Questions should be open-ended—that is, your questions should focus on ideas that are open to interpretation, argument, and extension. Factual recall and comprehension questions are not useful in an AP course--I will assume you understand the ideas on at least a literal level, and if you haven’t, this fact will be readily apparent during the discussion. The point of the questions is to extend your understanding and analysis of the topic and the ideas presented in the topic on the analytical and evaluative levels.

GENERIC QUESTION TYPES FOR SOCRATIC SEMINARS 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 topic that will help everyone in the class come to an agreement the topic. This question usually has a "correct" answer. Example: What happened to Hester Pyrnne's husband that she was left alone in Boston without family? (after the first 4 chapters of THE SCARLET LETTER). UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTION: Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the topic that will encourage group discussion about the universality of the topic. Example: After reading John Gardner's GRENDEL, can you pick out its existential elements? OPEN-ENDED QUESTION: Write an insightful question about the topic 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).

Topic for Discussion In “The Singer Solution to World Poverty,” an article that appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Peter Singer, a professor of bioethics, calls attention to the urgent need for food and medicine in many parts of the world. Singer argues that prosperous people should donate to overseas aid organizations such as UNICEF or Oxfam America all money not needed for the basic requirements of life. “The formula is simple: whatever money you’re spending on luxuries, not necessities should be given away.” Evaluate the pros and cons of Singer’s argument. Use appropriate evidence as you examine each side, and indicate which position you find more persuasive.

Rubric Exemplary B- Commanding C- Competent D- Developing F-Emerging Demonstrates patience with others’ opinions Moves the conversation forward Speaks to all participants Thinks before answering Refers directly to the text Makes connections to other speakers Considers all opinions Writes down thought and questions Builds on others’ comments Asks for clarification when needed Identifies key words/phrases/details in the text Comments often Responds to questions Refers to text Offers interesting ideas Pays attention A few questions Takes notes Emphasizes only own ideas Ideas not always connected Loses track of conversation Judges other’s ideas Takes some notes Leans towards debate not dialogue Disruptive, argumentative Mumbles or is silent Repeats same ideas Little to no notes taken No questions asked Is not participating Is lost/overwhelmed with the seminar

Topic for discussion Things to incorporate: Transcendentalism In “The Singer Solution to World Poverty,” an article that appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Peter Singer, a professor of bioethics, calls attention to the urgent need for food and medicine in many parts of the world. Singer argues that prosperous people should donate to overseas aid organizations such as UNICEF or Oxfam America all money not needed for the basic requirements of life. “The formula is simple: whatever money you’re spending on luxuries, not necessities should be given away.” Evaluate the pros and cons of Singer’s argument. Use appropriate evidence as you examine each side, and indicate which position you find more persuasive. Things to incorporate: Transcendentalism “Self-Reliance” I Am Real world examples Literary examples Anything else you can think of