True crime aficionados, internet sleuths, and those interested in criminal justice unite! 

In this class, we will look at infamous crimes from a critical thinking point of view. We will learn about what happened and explore and discuss associated theories and events. These theories may include but are not limited to possible suspects, reasons behind the crime, and learner theories. 

Class will begin with a discussion on what it means to be respectful- to each other and to the victims. Please note that dark and difficult topics are often approached from a humorous standpoint. The class will be kept lighthearted and humor is more than acceptable, though it must remain respectable. I will also present learning and discussion goals at the beginning of class. Two broader goals for each class will consists of either psychological or forensic analysis, depending on the case discussed and what data is available. Smaller goals will consists of identifying a motive for perpetrators, comparing their profiles to profiles of other serial killers learners may have prior knowledge of, identifying investigation strengths and weaknesses, and occasionally creating theories indicating who the perpetrator may be- if he/she/they are unknown or if there is a possible wrongful conviction. 

I will present a slideshow with background information, events, facts, and theories. We will pause every few slides to discuss before moving on. Learners can contribute analysis and thoughts and ask questions at anytime. Videos and/or audio recordings will be played when available, giving learners the opportunity to observe perpetrators as they are (or wish to appear) and providing further psychological insight. Crime scene photos may be screen shared as well, but only when available and ONLY when there is nothing graphic (no blood or bodies). Other screen shared documents may consist of police and autopsy reports, prosecutorial and defense documents, and anything else that may be relative to the case. 

At the end of class, students will have the opportunity to continue the discussion on a thread in the classroom where they can add to what we discussed and present their own theories and research. 

Topics in this class may be sensitive to some learners and may include death and/or murder. I encourage parents to look at the schedule and make sure they feel upcoming topics are appropriate for their learner(s). Since learners have different maturity levels and parents know their learners best, the age range is flexible.

If you would like to take this class, but the section you are interested in is full or you do not see a time that works for you, please, put in a request or message me and we will see what we can work out!


Schedule
 

September 20-26: OJ Simpson (repeat from May 2022)

September 27- October 3: Murder- Andrea Yates PART 1* (she murdered all 5 of her children after suffering from postpartum depression & psychosis) 

October 4-10: Murder- Andrea Yates PART 2* (she murdered all 5 of her children after suffering from postpartum depression & psychosis) 

October 11-17: Serial Killer?- Jefferson Davis 8

October 18-24: Murder: Gypsy Rose

October 25-31: Doomsday Cult- Order of the Solar Temple

November 1-7: Serial Killer- Son of Sam 

November 8-14: Attempted Murder- Slenderman Stabbings

November 15-21:  Vanessa Guillen

November 22-28: Murder- Phylicia Simone Barnes

November 29- December 5: Serial Killer- Dean Corll* Candyman

December 6-12: Serial Killer- Tamara Samsonova

December 13-19: Murder- Political Corruption- Robert Budd Dwyer*

December 20-26: Serial Killer- Carl Eugene Watts

December 27-January 2: Serial Killer- Elizabeth Wettlaufer


----------------------2025-----------------------------------


January 3-9:  Serial Killer- John Martin Crawford

January 10-16: Kidnapped- Elizabeth Smart

January 17-23: Mutiny?: Deep Sea Liner 2682

January 24-30: Butcher of Kingsbury Run

January 31- February 6: Murder- Lacey Fletcher

February 7-13: Colleen Ballinger

February 14-20: Murder: Kristel Candelario

February 21-27: Serial Killer- Cleveland Torso Murderer

February 28- March 6:  Influencer Accusations- The Corruption of Fame: George Not Found & Caiti Bug, Miranda Sings, Sniperwolf

March 7-13: Murder- Phillip Hutchinson

March 14-20: Marvin Heemeyer

March 21-27: Brianna Ghey

March 28- April 3: Harley Dilly

April 4-10: Murder- Patricia Newsome

TBD, in order of request and updated 4/23/24
Jigsaw Murders
Pedro Lopez
Ronald Clark O'Brien




* indicates sensitive topics and trigger warnings. Changes may be made to the schedule at any time, if my research shows material is inappropriate or if there is not enough information on a topic. The schedule is also based mostly on student requests, so feel free to share the crimes you find the most interesting!