Come learn about spies!
This interactive middle school course introduces students to the covert world of espionage. We will cover a variety of spy topics including the history of espionage (did you know the world's first comic strip has spies?), legal authority to spy (who says you can do that?), intelligence collection methods (including ways to practice them at home), interrogation (can you tell if someone is lying to you?), intelligence services in different countries, the ethics of espionage (great family discussions), skills needed to be a spy, and what Hollywood gets wrong (and right) about the "Great Game." 

Students will end the semester with a deeper understanding of how intelligence works in the real world, how to improve their memory and observation skills, and what it takes to be a real spy. (Did you know that being trustworthy is the number one qualification?)  

Students should come to class with a basic understanding of the U.S. government, including checks and balances and how Congress passes a law. (Watching and talking about Schoolhouse Rock's "I'm a Bill" will be sufficient.) Material covered will be PG, meaning we will discuss (briefly but not in graphic detail) enhanced interrogation, ethical dilemmas of spying, and the reality that if spies are caught, they are sometimes killed.  All materials needed will be provided with the exception of spy movies and books of your choice.  Homework includes assigned reading at a middle school level, brief essay writing (a 1-page, 5-paragraph essay), watching spy movies, and reading one spy novel of your choice. 

Grades are available at parent's request and will be based on class participation and homework.