Kindly note:
This is an ESL friendly class, CEFR  level — C1, C2 (Advanced)
Please feel free to write me via Outschool email with questions.
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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/