SPARTA VS ATHENS:  A CLASS DEBATE

 

 

TASK

 

Of more than 300 Greek city-states, Athens and Sparta were the most powerful.  Yet these two city states were huge rivals and had very little in common.  This exercise will allow students to research, organize and articulate specific arguments and evidence in a formal debate based on the question:

 

Which was more superior, Athens or Sparta?

 

Instructions

 

1. Students should divide into 2 groups:  one representing Sparta, the other representing Athens.
   
    
2. Once in groups, groups will form “mini-groups” of 2 and select one of the following topics:
   
    

• Government / political structure
• Education
• Role women and children
• Military strength / alliances
• Economy
• Social or Class Structure
• Lifestyle, Values and beliefs
• Cultural Achievements / Legacies

 

3. Once in small groups, students will research their society according to selected topic.  Students are encouraged to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents’ society as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their own.
    
4. Students should complete the following to organize their arguments:
    

Argument	Evidence + Source
Other:

 

ARGUMENTS EXPECTED OPPONENTS TO MAKE				PLANNED REBUTTLES