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Great Books discussion groups are a forum for thoughtful adults to read and discuss significant works of fiction, philosophy, political science, poetry, and drama. Great Books discussions are non-didactic, open-minded gatherings where people of all backgrounds come to talk about substantial literature and the great ideas and issues that literature addresses.
Discussions are lively, engaging, friendly, sometimes contentious, probing, enlightening-and a good deal of fun. Participants challenge their own and others' beliefs and opinions in the light of a rich, thought-provoking text. the object of a Great Books discussion is not to go home with the "right answer." The object is to examine the many questions raised by a text and to test some of the many possible answers by looking back to the text, using sound reasoning informed by our own experiences.
Great Books discussions are text-centered and employ a method of discussion called Shared Inquiry. Shared Inquiry is collaborative and question-driven. A group explores an author's words for their meanings and implications and examines the many ways in which participants interpret and react to the issues the author raises.
Great Book discussion groups differ from most book groups in following four rules or guidelines. Adherence to these guidelines best promotes the kind of focused, in-depth discussion that Great Books groups aim for. The rules govern who can participate, what is discussed, how opinions are judged, and how discussion is led. Together, the rules foster an environment in which participants are challenged to think for themselves and puzzle out as a group a clearer understanding of a rich and complex piece of writing.
The leader in a Great Books discussion is a non-expert, a member of the group. The advantage of the "lay leader" is precisely that he or she is not an expert and does not lecture the group. A guiding principle of Great Books is the belief that individuals in a group can reach a substantial insight into a work by building upon one another's ideas. The leader's role is to advance this learning process through careful questioning.
the leader opens discussion with a basic interpretive question that genuinely interests and puzzles the leader. Participants then offer their answers to the leader's questions and to one other's comments. The leader furthers discussion by asking appropriate follow-up questions. Discussion is meant to flow like a conversation, with participants addressing and questioning one another directly.
The leader will frequently draw the group back to the text for evidence to support interpretations raised in the discussion. These references to the text help to keep the discussion focused and free from tangents and generalizations.
The discussion is limited to the selection at hand, without references to other works by the author of the selection or to critical analyses of the author's work. This approach puts all participants on an equal footing and contributes to the effectiveness of a Great Books discussion.
An essential element for the success of a Great Books discussion is the preparation of the participants. Participants are expected to read the selection thoroughly before discussion. In fact, they are encouraged to read it at least twice. Those who have not read the selection are always welcome to come, sit quietly, and enjoy listening to the conversation.
In Shared Inquiry, participants help one another search for answers to fundamental questions raised by a text. Participants come to discussion with their own unique way of viewing the selection, then try to build on their views through a sharing of ideas.
Discussion leaders provide direction and guidance by asking questions for which they genuinely do not know the answer. Note that the leader is not an expert; the group should not look to him or her for answers. The leader assumes the role of co-learner and helps the group by asking interpretive questions-questions that have more than one possible answer based on the text. The leader also assists the group by asking follow-up questions that encourage participants to clarify comments, support ideas with evidence from the reading, and comment on proposed interpretations.
The Four Rules of Shared Inquiry Discussion
- Only those who have read the selection may take part in the discussion.
Participants who have not read the selection cannot support their opinions with evidence from the text, nor can they bring a knowledge of the text to bear on the opinions of others.
- Discussion is restricted to the selection that everyone has read.
This rule gives everyone an equal chance to contribute, because it limits discussion to a selection that all participants are familiar with and have before them. When the selection is the sole focus of discussion, everyone can determine whether facts are accurately recalled and opinions adequately supported.
- Support for opinions should be found within the selection.
Participants may introduce outside opinions only if they can restate the opinions in their own words and support the ideas with evidence from the selection. This rule encourages participants to read carefully and think for themselves.
- Leaders may only ask questions-they may not answer them.
Leaders help themselves and participants understand a selection by asking questions that prompt thoughtful inquiry.
Your discussions will be richer and more productive if you remember to:
- Temper the urge to speak with the discipline to listen
- Substitute the impulse to teach with the passion to learn
- Hear what is said and listen for what is meant
- Reserve judgment until you can claim understanding
ADAPTED FROM
Great Books website:
www.greatbooks.org 7/01