The Socratic Discussions: Can Reading Novels Create a More Empathetic Society?
In this one-time class, students expand their critical thinking skills to engage in Socratic discussion sparked by
the Time Magazine essay, "Read a Novel: It’s Just What the Doctor Ordered". ESL friendly, CEFR level C1, C2 (Advanced). #academic
Cindy Frank
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(652)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursAssessment
I will send a complete written summation of the discussion following class discussion.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Advanced Level
Kindly note: This is an ESL friendly class, CEFR level — C1, C2 (Advanced) Please feel free to write me via Outschool email with questions. *** What books do you love and which books have transformed your own life? How have these books shaped you as a person? In this one-time course, we will engage in an energetic and spirited Socratic discussion sparked by the Time Magazine essay "Read a Novel: It’s Just What the Doctor Ordered" by Sarah Begley (Oct. 26, 2016). Begley argues persuasively that being a devoted reader — someone who reads often for pleasure— can truly improve social skills, make for more lasting connections, give people the ability to empathize with the emotions and reactions of others. In short, she feels that if people increased their reading for pleasure the result would not simply be happier people but perhaps a happier world. Hence the question for our Socratic Discussion: Can reading novels create a more empathetic society? A link to the of the essay, "Read a Novel: It’s Just What the Doctor Ordered" is below. Students are asked to read, mark and consider the essay prior to the start of class. Guided by the teacher, this is a discussion-based class where the learners’ thoughts, opinions, and voices don’t just matter. They are essential. As in all our Socratic discussions, students will expand their critical thinking skills, hone their innate speaking abilities, question, think, communicate. It’s essential that all in the group work together to promote respectful cooperative interaction as together we explore both the nuances and connections fostered by this deeply thoughtful essay and provocative question. A complete summation of class will be sent to students following conclusion of the session. No prior experience in Socratic discussion is necessary for this class. https://time.com/4547332/reading-benefits/
Learning Goals
Build critical thinking skills
Analyze a complex text
Enrich ongoing vocabulary with an objective of building towards the SAT and ACT word lists
Participate in lively group discussion to enhance speaking and verbal abilities
Bridge connections presented by the essay to past readings
Encourage respectful communications
Other Details
Supply List
Pencil and paper should be brought to class. Learners should have printed and annotated the Time Magazine article prior to class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
https://time.com/4547332/reading-benefits/
Joined July, 2020
5.0
652reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from The University of Michigan, 1982 Honors in The History of Art, Does not Expire
As committed teacher of both high school art history and literature classes, Socratic discussion has always formed one of the core teaching methods in all my classes. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$25
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 9 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-6 learners per class
