Think of the Great Books discussion as a conversation, because that is what it really is. We answer questions posed by the leader; share our ideas; we wonder aloud. We try to assure that no one person is running away with the conversation. Participants show respect for others and use respectful language when speaking.
Of course it isn’t possible to assure that all participants contribute equally to the discussion. But we hope that each person has an opportunity to answer questions, express their opinions, and even ask questions they have about the reading.
Our discussions are 90 minutes. The length of the discussion has not changed in 76 years. It allows enough time to get deeply into a reading. Anything less wouldn’t provide enough time for a thorough discussion.
What a Great Books Discussion is NOT
A GB discussion is not a lecture given by the leader. The leader may choose to provide some background information on the writer and / or the writing. Participants are encouraged to contribute to the conversation by answering the leader’s questions. This is the springboard from which the conversation is started.
A GB discussion is not a debate, which is not to say we do not debate questions, ideas or opinions. We welcome differing views, but we are careful that the discussion does not devolve into a prolonged debate or argument.
I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect from a GB discussion and what we may expect from you as a participant.