Reading and Writing Workshop
Athens vs Sparta – Democracy and Society
Overview
Students will compare historical accounts of Greek democracy, analyze Athenian and Spartan societies, write argumentative essays, and engage in a debate
Session 1
Introduction to Greek Democracy
Session 2
Society and Daily Life Athens vs Sparta
Session 3
Writing Argumentative Essay
Session 4 Speaking and Listening
Athenian vs Spartan Debate
Assessment and Reflection
Overview
Students will compare historical accounts of Greek democracy, analyze Athenian and Spartan societies, write argumentative essays, and engage in a debate
Session 1
Introduction to Greek Democracy
- Objective Understand the foundations of Greek democracy and compare Athens and Sparta
- Reading Assignment
- Aristotle The Athenian Constitution Public Domain
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25207 - Herodotus Histories Book 6 The Battle of Marathon and Athenian Democracy
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2707
- Aristotle The Athenian Constitution Public Domain
- Discussion Questions
- What were the key principles of Athenian democracy
- How did Herodotus describe Athens compared to Sparta
- What were the main differences in governance
Session 2
Society and Daily Life Athens vs Sparta
- Objective Compare the daily lives of citizens in Athens and Sparta
- Reading Assignment
- Plutarch Life of Lycurgus Spartan Government and Customs
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14114 - Xenophon The Polity of the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1178
- Plutarch Life of Lycurgus Spartan Government and Customs
- Activity
- Students take notes comparing education economy military training and citizenship in Athens vs Sparta
- Small group discussion Was Spartas military society more effective than Athenian democracy
Session 3
Writing Argumentative Essay
- Objective Construct an argument supporting Athens or Sparta as the better society
- Prompt
- Based on historical sources argue whether Athens or Sparta had a superior society Consider government economy culture and military
- Writing Workshop
- Outline thesis and supporting points
- Use textual evidence from the readings
- Peer review session Provide feedback on clarity and argument strength
Session 4 Speaking and Listening
Athenian vs Spartan Debate
- Objective Develop and defend a perspective through role playing a debate
- Activity
- Students are assigned roles Athenian citizen Spartan citizen politician soldier philosopher etc
- Debate topics
- Which city state provided a better life for its citizens
- Which government was more just
- Which city state would be stronger in the long run
- Structured debate with opening arguments rebuttals and closing statements
Assessment and Reflection
- Rubrics for Argumentative Writing and Debate
- Final Reflection Which society do you personally believe was superior and why