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Russell Literary Groups - Russell Readers

Great Books Foundation Discussions and Shared Inquiry
Great Books discussion groups are forums for adults to discuss significant writings. We come from a variety of backgrounds to discuss important ideas and issues that have shaped civilization. Our discussions are lively, probing and enlightening. We challenge our own and others’ opinions in light of the text we are all reading. The object is not one “right answer” but rather to examine questions raised in the readings, with reasoning informed by our diverse experiences.

We use the “Shared Inquiry” method, a collaborative, question-driven method of learning that helps us read actively, pose evocative questions, and listen and respond effectively. We examine the words and the possible ways to interpret the ideas and issues. To this end, we follow these guidelines:

  • We read the selection before coming to the discussion.
  • We support our opinions by focusing on ideas from the reading.
  • We explore the ideas in the selection before going beyond them.
  • We listen to the opinions of others and respond directly to them.
  • We ask each discussion leader to begin the questions.

Join us! Call 347-0196 or email ameyers@russell.lioninc.org

In 2013, we will use the Modern American Poetry anthology from the Great Books Foundation.  It may be checked out at the Circulation Desk.  As we will be using the book for an extended period, the due date of the book is December 10, 2013.

The poems are arranged in chronological order according to the aurhors' year of birth.  We will read and study two poets each month.  Read all the poems for each assigned author.  We will focus on the 1st poem from each author for analysis and discussion and the general questions on p. 9 to begin to approach the poems.

Socrates wrote that the unexamined life is not worth living. In these reading-discussions, we will examine many lives.

2013
Second Tuesday: 7:00-8:20 PM,
Third Floor Meeting Room

January 8
Walt Whitman

February 12
Emily Dickinson - Cancelled due to snow!

March 12
Emily Dickinson

April 9
Theodore Roethke

May 14
Robert Frost

June 11
Elizabeth Bishop

July 9
Mark Strand

August 13
Edgar Lee Masters

September 10
T. S. Eliot

October 8
Wallace Stevens

November 12
Allen Ginsberg

December 10
Gwendolyn Brooks


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