This document provides guidance on conducting Socratic seminars in the classroom. It discusses that Socratic seminars aim to develop critical thinking skills through dialogue rather than rote memorization. An effective seminar consists of an open-ended question about a text, a leader to guide discussion, and participants who contribute ideas and questions. The leader's role is to facilitate respectful exchange of perspectives without right answers in mind. Teachers should prepare students and provide structure to ensure a thoughtful, collaborative discussion.
Prometheus was a Titan known for his forethought who sided with Zeus against Cronus. He is regarded as the benefactor of mankind, gifting them fire and tricking Zeus so that humans could keep the best parts of sacrificial animals for themselves rather than giving them to the gods. As punishment for these acts, Zeus ordered the creation of Pandora and had Prometheus bound to a rock where an eagle would feed on his regenerating liver each day. Eventually, Heracles freed Prometheus from his torture.
Poseidon is the Greek god of the sea and earthquakes. He is the son of Cronus and Rhea and brother of Zeus, Hades, Demeter, Hestia, and Hera. As the ruler of the seas, Poseidon has many symbols associated with water like the trident, fish, dolphin, and bull. He fathered several children including Theseus, Triton, and Polyphemus either with mortal women or goddesses.
The Cyclopes were one-eyed giants in Greek mythology. According to Hesiod, the Cyclopes were the sons of Uranus and Gaia and included Argos, Steropes, and Brontes. Hesiod and later writers like Homer and Euripides described the Cyclopes in their epic poems and plays.
This document provides guidance on conducting Socratic seminars in the classroom. It discusses that Socratic seminars aim to develop critical thinking skills through dialogue rather than rote memorization. An effective seminar consists of an open-ended question about a text, a leader to guide discussion, and participants who contribute ideas and questions. The leader's role is to facilitate respectful exchange of perspectives without right answers in mind. Teachers should prepare students and provide structure to ensure a thoughtful, collaborative discussion.
Prometheus was a Titan known for his forethought who sided with Zeus against Cronus. He is regarded as the benefactor of mankind, gifting them fire and tricking Zeus so that humans could keep the best parts of sacrificial animals for themselves rather than giving them to the gods. As punishment for these acts, Zeus ordered the creation of Pandora and had Prometheus bound to a rock where an eagle would feed on his regenerating liver each day. Eventually, Heracles freed Prometheus from his torture.
Poseidon is the Greek god of the sea and earthquakes. He is the son of Cronus and Rhea and brother of Zeus, Hades, Demeter, Hestia, and Hera. As the ruler of the seas, Poseidon has many symbols associated with water like the trident, fish, dolphin, and bull. He fathered several children including Theseus, Triton, and Polyphemus either with mortal women or goddesses.
The Cyclopes were one-eyed giants in Greek mythology. According to Hesiod, the Cyclopes were the sons of Uranus and Gaia and included Argos, Steropes, and Brontes. Hesiod and later writers like Homer and Euripides described the Cyclopes in their epic poems and plays.
Zeus is the youngest child of Cronus and Rhea and became the ruler of the gods after defeating his father and brothers. As the king of the gods, Zeus wields a powerful thunderbolt as his weapon and is known for his many erotic affairs which resulted in many divine offspring. He is traditionally married to Hera but had relationships with other goddesses. Some of Zeus's most notable children include Athena, Apollo, Artemis, and Dionysus.
Calypso, a nymph, lived on the mythical island of Ogygia and seduced Odysseus, keeping him captive for seven years and promising him immortality and eternal youth if he stayed with her instead of returning home to his wife Penelope. Calypso represented a diversion and distraction from Odysseus' goal of returning home.
Persephone was the goddess of spring who was abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld to be his bride. Her mother Demeter searched for her and caused a famine when she learned Zeus had allowed the abduction. Persephone was forced to spend part of each year in the underworld because she had eaten pomegranate seeds while there. Her time in the underworld brought winter and her return in spring brought new plant growth. The abduction of Persephone is known as the rape of Persephone and was depicted in many artworks over the centuries.
