Kindly note:
This is an ESL friendly class, CEFR  level — C1, C2 (Advanced)
Please feel free to write me via Outschool email with questions.
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Critical thinking, discussion, and debate come as together we consider some of the finest modern short stories with a diverse array of authors intent on expanding both the possibilities of the short story and exploring depths of human emotion. 

Spar Lit Short Story Masterpieces: Understanding Modern Stories Through Debate is the companion class to my own Spar Lit Short Story Classics: Understanding Classic Short Stories Through Debate. The classes can be taken in any order.

Our 8-session class, each of which begin by offering insights to the short story writing process and background on the authors,  will focus on blending the acknowledged technique of Spar debating with understanding modern short stories  through debate and discussion.  Spar means “SPontaneous ARgumentation” a quicktime technique that is used to prepare students for formal debate.  Our class will use Spar debating to explore the key points involving acknowledged masterworks of the short story with works from Jhumpa Lahiri to Ray Bradbury to Amy Tan.

The result?  Students will learn to take a position on key issues involving intriguing literary questions, while gaining a nuanced and thorough understanding both sides of every issue. All students will gain an enhanced exploration of literature while expanding debate techniques. 

With insights to the short story writing process to spark discussion at the beginning of every session, Spar Lit Short Story Classics will work with learners to explore the deeper meanings of the story and then move to Spar Debate to gain further insight to essential points of the of the works.

Optional homework assignments will be provided for each class that will expand on the thinking from the sessions.

SHORT STORIES COVERED IN SPAR LIT SHORT STORY MASTERPIECES

Week 1: Boys and Girls by Alice Munro

Week 2: There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury

Week 3: Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut

Week 4: The Swimmer by John Cheever

Week 5: The Rules of the Game by Amy Tan

Week 6: A Temporary Matter by Jhumpa Lahiri

Week 7:  Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Week 8: The Wind by Lauren Groff


Spar Debate questions will focus on the literary aspect of each weekly short story and the Spar debates are evidence-based from the short stories themselves.  The 20 minute discussion at the beginning of each session, guided by me, will allow all students to engage in productive discussion. Guidance will be given as to the parameters of Spar debating which are evidence-based not guided by emotional responses.

This class has been purposely limited to six students to maximize the participation of every learner.  Prior to each weekly class the chosen short story will be posted for consideration prior to the class. Many of these short stories are readily available in the public domain.

This class is a companion to  my own Spar Lit Sr: Understanding Great Essays Through Speech and Debate Techniques. No prerequisite required for this class, simply a desire to learn more about short stories. 

Spar is quick debate! With debaters given the Pro or Con position, a short Spar debate can illuminate ideas and provide for more nuanced critical thinking. 

Optional Homework assignment opportunities  will be given after each class. 


5 minutes of general introduction

15 minutes of interactive discussion on skills of the short story writer

20 minutes of interactive discussion about the short story of the week

20 minutes of ongoing Spar pro/con debate involving key literary questions from the weekly reading

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How does Spar debating work?

10 MINUTE MINI DEBATES!

Students face off in pairs to debate a Pro/Con question involving the specific reading from literature for the day.

COIN FLIP TO DETERMINE PRO/CON

2 minutes

Both students have 2 minutes to brainstorm ideas for their position (evidence/arguments)

1 minute
Pro student gives a 1 minute opening statement to make their case (Con student listens quietly and takes notes)

1 minute
Con student gives a 1 minute opening statement to make their case (Pro student listens quietly and take notes)

30 seconds
Both students think!

3 minutes
Mini crossfire discussion where both students can ask each other questions about opposing statements.

30 seconds
Both students think again to prepare their closing statements

1 minute
Con student gives a 1 minute closing statement (Pro student listens quietly)

1 minute
Pro student gives a 1 minute closing statement (Con student listens quietly

No previous experience with speech and debate or Spar debating required, However, this class also provides an excellent outlet for speech and debate students interested in enhancing their ability to communicate their ideas with clarity and style that will be useful in classrooms and in ongoing discussions everywhere.