1. Singer Solution
Socratic Seminar

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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).

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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