1. Read carefully through the excerpt from the Wasps, and, using it as your evidence, consider both the setting and procedure of a trial. What strikes you as distinctive or significant about it (aside from the fact that it's involving dogs!)? Are the arguments ones that would be appropriate in a courtroom today (or in a TV courtroom...) and is the procedure different and, if so, how?

Note: you should come to section prepared to describe what you think, with specific examples from the text. You may be called on!

2. Read the Apology carefully with the Study Guide. Come to section prepared to debate the following issues.

a. Were the charges against Socrates trumped up or genuine? (Think also about what the particular charges say about what constituted inappropriate behavior in Athens.)

b. Was Socrates a threat to Athenian democracy or its true upholder?

Note: since you won't know in advance which side of the debate you will be on, come to section with specific arguments, taken from the Apology itself (again compile a list for quick reference, and, even better, memorize the examples you think are strongest), to support both positions.