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Episode 1: the alibiHook:

Where were YOU six weeks ago today? How do you know? How reliable is YOUR memory?(Coincidence that six weeks ago today would be roughly Jan. 13 the EXACT day, 16 years

ago when Hae Min Lee disappeared.)

Sarah Koenig : Rabia Chaudry: Adnan Syed: Jay (name released via Reddit): Stephanie : Asia :

What does Sarah Koenig fact check after her conversation with Rabia?How does Adnans case come to her and why does she take it on?How does Koenig describe Adnan physically?What words does she use to describe his response to Jays story?The title of this episode is The Alibi. Explain why.What is the crucial window of time that the States case relies on?Describe your reaction to Sarah Koenigs language and tone, using examples from this episode. How do you feel about her reporting-- do you trust her? Is she reliable?What is important about the snow?

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Episode 2: the relationship

Aisha Pitman (sp?)DonAdnans relationship with Hae. List what they had in common. How did they stand before she disappeared?

At the end of this episode, about whom does Hae write in her last diary entry?What is call-waiting? (How would Hae and Adnan talk so that their parents wouldnt hear the phone ring?)Sarah Koenig reads Haes diary to all of us for what purpose?What is the significance of the need for a ride from Hae after school?What is the red flag Koenig identifies. Where will you add this on your evidence chart?

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Episode 3:leakin park

Leakin Park.Detective RitzDetective MacgillivaryMr. SWhat is Leakin Park known for?What did they find at the scene?

Who found Haes body. Recall how Koenig reveals him. How does her storytelling add to the suspense?

Now that we have finished episode 3, reflect on your feelings towards Adnan, Koenig, and the order in which information has been revealed. How does this series fit the traditional pat-ter of a mystery novel? Is this intentional?

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Episode 4: Inconsistencies

Yassar Ali, anonymous callerJenn PusateriCell phone recordsJay, according to AdnanJay, according to Jay

What major piece of missing information does Jay reveal?

Are Jay and Anand friends?

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Episode 5: Route Talk

The routeWhat Jay claimsThe Best Buy parking lotSignificance of pay phoneDana

How does Adnans reaction to the route make you feel towards him?The only call to someone Adnan knew.Why is Nisha call so important?What is the significance of cell phone towers not matching?What is the significance of, Theres a shrimp sale at the crab crib.

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How does Sarah feel about Adnan?

The relationship between Sarah and Adnan is as a journalist to a subject. How does Sarah guard the relationship? She describes that this is the closest to hostile that Adnan had ever got.

Why does say irriates him about people thinking hes nice?

Episode 6: the case against Adnan Syed

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Deirdre Enright--not a small talker, busiest, most curious people Sarahs met--Says motive is black hole

What does Deirdre say about innocent clients?What is the first order of business for Deirdres team?What evidence was found around Haes body, and what was/nt tested?

The concept of the Innocence Project is somewhat depressing by its verynature. What do I mean by that?Deirdre is concerned wih racial profiling, the reference to his dark side The case is very thinWhat does Sarah really need from Deidre, regarding the case, and emotion-ally?As legal matter, they only have to prove Adnan isnt their guy, but better yet, theyll provide an answer as to who did it. How do you think she can start to mount a case?

Episode 7: the opposite of the prosecution

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Episode 8: The Deal WIth Jay

Christina Gutierrez-- her career, her defense, her tactics.Miss Stella Armstrong (and other members of the jury and their positions on the case from what they remember)Jim TrainumKevin Urick

How do Christinas actions affect Adnans fate?Discuss how you feel about Trainums statement, Rather than trying to get to the truth, what youre trying to do is build your case, and make it the strongest case possible.What is Sarahs favorite piece of tape from her reporting, and why?

EXCERPT: What is Jays deal? And by that I dont mean his plea deal, that he plead guilty to accessory after the fact in a first-degree murder, testified against Adnan, and got no prison time as a result. What I mean is, what did you make of Jay? Which, of course, is code for what am I supposed to make of Jay? How did he come across, sitting up there on the witness stand?

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Episode 9: To be suspected

The payphone! Cathy Laura Estrada SandovalSummerDetective OSheaKrista

Adnans adaptability to his situation, including his behavior in prisonDescribe your reaction to Adnan saying, I have a life, its not the life I planned, or imagined, but, I have a life.

At this point Id like to discuss how social media has affected this case as well as its reception. Can you pinpoint what it is exactly that has made this story so popular, so alluring, so addictive? Is it the case itself, the lack of evidence, or the fact that the collective that cares is so vocal? How does this change your idea of storytelling and journalism? Describe the impact his will have on your storytelling.

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Episode 10: The best Defense is a good defense

The people in BaltimoreAdnans moms thoughts.The role of Adnans faith.Summary As It Relates to Mr. SyedHow does Adnans first trial end?How did Jay get his lawyer?

Discuss the details/implications that Koenig referes to exactly when she says, ... its possible that had this bench conference not happened, Adnans whole life could have been different. How does this make you feel?What is the the magic information that Christina had?

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Episode 11: Rumors

Adnans other sideAliAnonymous Male #1-- what does he reveal?Atif IqbalCharles EwingJane Efron

Why does Koenig insert her experience into the story again? What is her purpose for doing so?What is the context for Adnan saying, Can you imagine what its like to be afraid to show compassion to someone out of fear they wont believe you? I was so ashamed of that.

WIth one episode left, how do you anticipate Koenigs ending?

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Episode 12: What we know

Guess who else doesnt remember trying to call Hae after the 13th-- ______.The loophole from AT&T... what piece of evidence does this relate to and how?Whats the utility of which lie? (comment on the various lies and your thoughts on which wiegh most heavily?What does Deirdres call reveal in this episode? Why wait so long to reveal this?

Describe Sarah Koenigs state of mind at the beginning of this episode.What was one thought kids entertained for Haes wherabouts once reported missing?The meeting between Adnan and Don.Josh Julie SnyderDana ChivvisRonald Lee Moore

What is Sarah Koenigs verdict, and what is yours?

Guess who else doesnt remember trying to call Hae after the 13th-- ______.The loophole from AT&T... what piece of evidence does this relate to and how?Whats the utility of which lie? (comment on the various lies and your thoughts on which wiegh most heavily?What does Deirdres call reveal in this episode? Why wait so long to reveal this?

Now What?What motivation does Sarah Koenig have to take this on? What motivates you to tell a story?

So much of what we talk about when we do story ideas is broad--folks bring up issues such as mental illness, depression, injustices on campus, etc. Serial shows us an example of how researching a story beforehand is necessary for a solid, meaningful pitch. Brainstorm questions you might ask regarding your most recent story idea to make our pitches pack more punch.

Write an outline to represent how Koenigs story comes together. How does her organization lend itself to the suspense, or audience buy-in?

Final project: If you were to write one more episode, what would it include, and where would you fit it in to her timeline?