English
Log In
Crime Fiction (Live)
In this 4-week live course, students will read four classic detective stories in their entirety. They will follow guided reading questions and we will discuss them using the Socratic method during class meetings.
Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Course Description: In this four-week class, students will read and discuss four classic short detective stories. Class meetings will utilize a Socratic format where the instructor facilitates a discussion using guided questions. This enables students to interact with each other, the instructor, and the content more actively than in a traditional lecture-style course. Please note that this course will explore a variety of potentially difficult topics, ideas, and events from divergent...
4 lessons//4 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1The Adventure of the Speckled BandStudents will read Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" in its entirety. We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions. There will also be an optional written assignment.Week 2Lesson 2The Resurrection of Father BrownStudents will read GK Chesterton's "The Resurrection of Father Brown" in its entirety. We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions. There will also be an optional written assignment.Week 3Lesson 3Motive v. OpportunityStudents will read Agatha Christie's "Motive v. Opportunity" in its entirety. We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions. There will also be an optional written assignment.Week 4Lesson 4The Fantastic Horror of the Cat in the BagStudents will read Dorothy L. Sayers' "The Fantastic Horror of the Cat in the Bag" in its entirety. We will go over the reading in class and the instructor will contextualize it. Then we will have a Socratic discussion based on guided reading questions. There will also be an optional written assignment.
- Students will hone their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills, practice actively participating in group discussions, and gain a better cultural and analytical understanding of their world.
- Students will come away having read several classic short stories in their entirety.
- Students will develop a greater understanding of literature and culture.
- Students will gain the opportunity to read dense texts in small, age-appropriate chunks, which enables them to develop their reading comprehension and analytical skills in a meaningful way.
I have a BA in Philosophy with minors in Political Science and Greek and Roman Studies, as well as an MA in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics and Political Philosophy. I’m the head coach of a competitive high school debate team and teach the liberal arts at a classical school. I’m also a professional creative writer and journalist. I love helping students of all ages understand and interpret difficult subjects and learn how to crystallize their thoughts in writing and oral communication. I believe studying literature is a wonderful way to facilitate this kind of growth and learning.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assignments
Frequency: includedFeedback: includedDetails: Reading assignments will be required prior to each class meeting. Weekly optional writing assignments of around 250 words will also be offered. I will provide grading and feedback on these assignments if it is desired. In order to receive a grade for the course, students must complete at least one of these assignments. They can complete another assignment to replace a grade if they wish, for up to four completed assignments. A student who does not complete any of the assignments but attends and meaningfully participates in each live session may receive a certificate of completion for the course if they choose. Written assignments are entirely optional. The only requirement for the course is reading and participating in class discussions.Letter Grade
Frequency: includedDetails: Letter grades will be offered as an option for students who complete at least one written assignment.Certificate of Completion
Frequency: includedDetails: A certificate of completion will be offered as an option for students who both attend and meaningfully participate in every live session.
If your student wishes to read more than the assigned stories in each collection, or if you prefer to have a physical copy of the books themselves, below are the editions we will be using in this course: Chesterton, GK. The Incredulity of Father Brown. New York: Penguin Classics, 2014. Christie, Agatha. Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories. New York: William Morrow, 2011. Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Complete Sherlock Holmes: Volume I. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Sayers, Dorothy L. The Complete Stories. New York: HarperCollins, 2013.
Please note that this course will explore a variety of potentially difficult topics, ideas, and events from divergent perspectives. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review the syllabus in order to determine if they wish their child to analyze and discuss this content. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Chesterton, GK. The Incredulity of Father Brown. New York: Penguin Classics, 2014. Christie, Agatha. Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories. New York: William Morrow, 2011. Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Complete Sherlock Holmes: Volume I. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003. Sayers, Dorothy L. The Complete Stories. New York: HarperCollins, 2013.
Joined June, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Philosophy from Northern Illinois University
Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Illinois Wesleyan University
I have a BA in Philosophy with minors in Political Science and Greek and Roman Studies, as well as an MA in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics and Political Philosophy. I’m the head coach of a competitive high school debate team and teach...
Reviews
Group Class
$30
weekly or $120 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
1-18 learners per class
