UNIV 10051: University Perspectives

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Socratic Seminar Breakdown

Socratic Seminar and library project: everything you need to know
We will use the socratic seminar model to help us develop the art of asking questions, listening to the experiences and perspectives of others, and slowing down enough to question/identify our own assumptions and biases. In general, we will attempt to change our default to asking clarifying questions and working for understanding rather than assuming the validity (or superiority) of our own ideas, opinions, and experiences.
What are the objectives of a socratic seminar? to slow down and deepen conversations, to becomes active and better listeners, to consider the experiences and perspectives of others, to improve our investigative skills, to challenge assumptions and look for evidence-based truths
How do we do it? receive what someone else is saying by actively listening (nodding your head, making eye contact, etc). Reflect back what you have heard and ask clarifying questions, if appropriate. Challenge assumptions or offer an alternative experience/perspective. Use data to support your statements, when possible (experiences, observations, things you've read, etc)
What should we not do? Interrupt someone when they are talking, use a harsh or dismissive tone, ignore or dismiss someone else's experiences, speak with judgement, dominate the conversations with just your voice
When your group is observing, you will be assigned a partner from a group that is speaking to ovserve and provide feedback for part of your grade, and they will also be observing you when you are speaking. Your partner will be evaluating you on how you are answering, listening, and asking questions.
To see how you will be evaluated by both your instructor(s) and your partner, please look over the rubric on black board.

Assignment Objectives

Objectives:

1. To consider one’s own opinions/experiences concerning a specific topic while investigating other perspectives with openness andcarefulness.

2. To have a profitable, informed and civil discussion with other people regarding the topic using Socratic questioning.

3. To demonstrate gained confidence when speaking in front of peers

4. To demonstrate discussed intellectual virtues: courage, perseverance,carefulness, curiosity, fair-mindedness, humility5. To increase familiarity with library resources and staf

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