About the Course
For generations, great mysteries have captivated readers with compelling characters and suspenseful storytelling punctuated by intriguing, unconventional sleuths like Eve Titus's Basil of Baker Street and Wendelin Van Draanen's Sammy Keyes. In this course, we'll learn about and identify the key elements of whodunit stories, such as clues, red-herrings, sleuths, culprits, and denouement. We'll analyze and interpret examples of the mystery genre, gaining expertise with literary elements such as foreshadowing, tone, and narrative arc. We'll learn what it takes to be a great detective and how mystery writers keep us guessing. Using model texts, we'll extend our knowledge and understanding of the mystery genre. At the same time, we'll sharpen our own skills, practicing effective techniques like brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Fun activities may include writing your own whodunit mystery that your classmates will try to solve.
Learning Objectives
- Define and identify key elements of whodunit stories such as clues, red-herrings, sleuths, culprits, and denouement
- Read and analyze texts for key narrative elements as well as elements of the mystery genre
- Plan, draft, and revise a whodunit story that includes the key elements of the mystery genre
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Thu for 6 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details. https://ctyhelp.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/43000543074
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid