Week 1
Lesson 1
The History of the Mystery and Dame Agatha Christie
Understanding the English Country House Murder Mystery, background on Agatha Christie, observational exercises involving Frances Gleisner Lee's Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death 
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Discussion of chapters 1-4
Discussion of chapters 1-4 and Spar Debating sparked by: Poirot's idea of the "most important work in the world."
Spar Statement:
Our work habits are what keep us motivated and keep us feeling secure throughout life, unconcerned about the goal at the end to achieve contentment. 
Position 1: Agree with the above statement. 
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement.  We work throughout our lives with a goal in mind and only when we’ve achieved this goal do we feel contentment. 
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Discussion of chapters 5-9
Discussion of chapters 5-9 and Spar Debating sparked by:"
No. if I go into this you must understand one thing clearly.   
I shall go through with it to the end. 
The good dog he does not leave the scent, remember?"
Spar Statement:  We always value the truth no matter how harsh it may be.
Position 1: Agree with the above statement. 
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement. Sometimes we all prefer to put on “rose-tinted glasses to shield ourselves from painful truths.”
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Discussion of chapters 10-14
Discussion of chapters 10-14 and Spar Debating sparked by: '“No,” says Dr. Sheppard. “Only a man with more money than was good for him.”
Spar Statement: Money is the root of all evil. 
Position 1: Agree with this statement. Explain.
Position 2: Disagree with this statement. There are far greater evils in the world that are sparked by far different things than money. Explain.
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Discussion of chapters 15-19
Discussion of chapters 15-19 and Spar Debating sparked by: "But it rather depends on what kind of of hand you have to start with."
Spar Statement:  If we work hard and are confident we can be a success no matter what our circumstances are.
Position 1: Agree with the above statement.
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement. It’s hard to succeed without advantages. A good hand, advantages of birth and money give us the edge we need to move forward successfully in life.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Discussion of chapters 20-23
Discussion of chapters 20-23 and Spar Debating sparked by: "Of facts, I keep nothing to myself. But to everyone his own interpretation of them."
Spar Statement:  To protect ourselves and our ideas it is essential that we keep our most private thoughts to ourselves.
Position 1: Agree with the above statement.
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement. Sharing our thoughts and ideas connects us to others and can also give us the opportunity for greater achievement through sharing.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Discussion of chapters 24-27 (end)
Discussion of chapters 24-27 and Spar Debating sparked by: “A strain of weakness.”—Caroline Sheppard
Spar Statement:  Greed drives people to extreme actions.
Position 1: Agree with the above statement. Discuss.
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement. Ego drives people to extreme actions. Discuss.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Puzzles, Games, and Becoming Mystery Writers Ourselves
Games, puzzles, discussion of writing project and final Spar Debates sparked by: Almost everyone in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd has something to hide.
Spar Statement: Deception is a universal truth. 
Position 1: Agree with the above statement. We all engage in forms of deception.  It’s a human trait. What are the results of this?
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement.  While human beings make mistakes,  there are many people who endeavor to be honest and honorable throughout their lives.