Week 1
Lesson 1
Arriving at Perfection by Benjamin Franklin
The purpose of essay writing, discussion of the essay leading to Spar Debating sparked by:
 Spar Statement: 
There is too much emphasis on the achievement of perfection today.
Position 1 — The pursuit of perfection — or something close to it — is still worth pursuing today.
Position 2 — The pursuit of perfection not only isn’t achievable, it’s not a worthwhile exercise at all. Explain why this is so. 
 Week 2
Lesson 2
The Decay of Friendship by Samuel Johnson
Motivation for writing, discussion of the essay leading to Spar Debating sparked by: "Life has no nobler pleasure than that of friendship."
Spar Statement: Lasting friendship is not simply an ideal but reality.  We can maintain friendships for a lifetime. 
Position 1: Yes,  Lasting friendship is not simply an ideal but reality.
Position 2: No, while friendships can be nurturing and wonderful they are destined to eventually falter at end.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Crickets, Cats, Bats & Chaos by Lewis Thomas
Ramifications of writing a provocative essay, discussion of the essay leading to Spar Debating sparked by: "We seek too much to explain…to dominate the planet, to govern life, but at the same time we ourselves seem to be less a part of it than ever before."
Spar Statement:   We need a greater connection to nature to move forward positively in understanding the world.
 Position 1: Agree with the above statement. Explain.
Position 2: Disagree.  Technology is the path forward. Explain.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Stone Soup by Barbara Kingsolver
Finding a subject, discussion of the essay leading to impromptu speeches sparked by: “Any family is a big empty pot, save for what gets thrown in. Each stew turns out a little different. Generosity, a resolve to turn bad luck into good, and a respect for variety—these things will nourish nation of children.”
 Week 5
Lesson 5
On Seeing England for the First Time by Jamaica Kincaid
Working through an idea, discussion of the essay leading to Spar Debating sparked by: "How absurd that she grew up longing for something that she’s never seen."
Statement: The myth of a place can be intoxicating can spur us on to great dreams and creativity. 
Position 1: The myth of a place, both in reality and fantasy, can be intoxicating and  can spur us on to creativity. 
Position 2: Focusing on myth is a distraction from the honesty of the real world, real issues, real problems.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Consider the Lobster by David Foster Wallace
Creating essays of lasting impact, discussion of essay leading to Spar Debating sparked by: “Is it possible that future generations will regard our present agribusiness and eating practices in much the same way as we now view Nero’s entertainments or Mengele’s experiments?"
Position 1: yes — Explain your reasons
Position 2: no—Explain your reasons