Solving with Sherlock

In this chapter, we will share our experiences designing and co-teaching the General Education Interdisciplinary Seminar course titled “Solving with Sherlock.” In Solving with Sherlock, students examine texts from the genre of detective fiction and film, using the lenses of mathematical theory and principles of logic and syllogistic reasoning. In addition to learning basic ideas of logic and reasoning techniques, students are introduced to approaches in film and literature analysis as they examine the portrayals of the reasoning and approaches to solving criminal cases of legendary fictional detectives. Throughout the course, students imagine, present, and enact strategies for deduction and problem-solving, identifying whether the fictional detectives use reasoning that is valid and sound.