Week 1
Lesson 1
Introduction and discussion chapters 1-2
Discussion chapters 1 -2 and Spar Debate sparked by: "We learn about the world best (or as Dostoyevsky says “perceive the divine mystery of things”) by loving everything."
Position 1: agree with the above statement. Explain
Position 2: disagree with the above statement. We learn about the world as Harriet does, by observing everything and being completely honest about what we are seeing. 
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Discussion chapters 3 4 5
Discussion chapters 3 4 5  and Spar Debate sparked by: “Politeness is the art of choosing among our thoughts.” Madame de Stael
Position 1: Agree with the above statement
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement.  Politeness is something altogether different. Explain.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Discussion chapters 6 7 8
Discussion chapters 6  7 8  and Spar Debate sparked by: Different views of courage. 
Spar Statement: It takes courage to make changes in our lives, to change paths and direction.
Position 1: Agree with this statement.
Position 2:  It takes courage to live every day, standing up for what is right both for others and for ourselves.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Discussion chapters 9 10 11
Discussion chapters 9 10 11  and Spar Debate sparked by: arriet’s friends are furious when they realize she’s been writing very honest notes on all of them in her private notebook.
Spar Statement:  We have a right to write whatever we choose to write.
Position 1: Agree with the above statement. If we keep our ideas private we should be able to think and say whatever we’d like to say about people, even if it’s hurtful.
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement. We shouldn't ever hurt others.
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Discussion chapters 12 13 14
Discussion chapters 12 13 14  and Spar Debate sparked by: "Neither Sport nor Janie has forgiven her at all."
Spar Statement:
When people have been hurt, even by someone who they are very close to,  they have a right to be angry for as long as they want to be.
Position 1: Agree with the above statement.  Explain.
Position 2: Disagree with the above statement.  Instead people should try to understand why someone has made them mad or hurt them, try to talk to them. 
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Discussion chapters 15-16
Discussion chapters 15-16  and Spar Debate sparked by: Ole Golly quotes John Keats:
“Beauty is truth, truth beauty, that is all Ye know on earth, all Ye need to know.”
Position 1: Agree with Keats quote. Truth itself is a thing of honor and beauty. Explain why this is important. 
Position 2: Disagree with Keats quote. Life on earth is a lot more complicated than this! Explain.