Humanities
Edgar Allan Poe - A Truly Brilliant American Author **American Symposium Class
Mrs. Schmidt
Description:
Time to put on your thinking caps as we explore some of the poetry and short stories of the master, Edgar Allan Poe. Most people believe he wrote only scary and dark literature, but you will be amazed by the beauty and depth and other emotions he spoke about as we paint the setting of "The Cask of Amontillado," write a mini-mystery using techniques of the "Tell-Tale Heart," write poetry based on the learning from Annabel Lee, create board games about following your dreams by analyzing "Eldorado," make a collage and write descriptive words on what really happened in "The Raven," and participate in a unique choral rendition on "The Bells." There will be Poe Bingo and Match Games as well. Learn to love the writing of a truly brilliant American author!
Course Fee: $0
Poe: The Comedian
Mr. Christenson
Description:
Although Edgar Allan Poe is best known for horror and mystery, he also wrote sharp satire, science fiction, and social comedy. His funniest works tend to mock human vanity, pseudoscience, literary trends, and social pretension. This course will explore, for the very first time, the lesser-known works of Poe to see how he was not only the master of blood and bones but also funny bones.
Course Fee: $0
American Independent Reading**American Symposium Class
Mr. Robertson
Description:
Do you want to engage with thought provoking stories from incredible authors? Do you find yourself deprived of your reading time by all of the demands of a busy schedule? Do you want to get better at reading or get back into reading? Then American Independent Reading is the class for you! Come enjoy some engaging short stories and then enjoy some time to read the literature that you find the most interesting.
Course Fee: $0
Knives Out: Forensic Detectives Wanted**American Symposium Class
Mr. Bennett
Description:
Can you spot the clues that a criminal left behind? In this hands-on course, you won't just study science—you will use it to solve mysteries by stepping into the shoes of a real investigator. Each week, our classroom transforms into a crime scene investigation lab where you will analyze DNA, fingerprints, decipher blood spatter patterns, examine mysterious fibers, and find the liars through careful questioning. Through our immersive, collaborative crime-solving lessons, you will learn how biology, chemistry, physics, and sociability can provide the undeniable evidence needed to crack the toughest cases.
Course Fee: $3
Never Split the Party: Teamwork, Tactics, and Tabletop Roleplay
Mr. Bennett
Description:
Step into a world where you don't just read about heroes—you become them. In this Dungeons & Dragons adventure, surviving the dungeon takes more than just sword swings and lucky dice. Every character comes with unique personality quirks and daily goals that might cause a little friction along the way. To succeed, you’ll need to master teamwork, navigate social hurdles, and figure out how to help your fellow adventurers turn their biggest flaws into their greatest strengths. Whether you're a veteran player or brand new, grab a seat at the table. Your party is waiting—and remember the golden rule: never split the party.
Course Fee: $0
Discover Chinese Through Song
Mr. Hu
Description:
Want to learn Chinese without sitting through a boring textbook lesson? In this fun and interactive class, you’ll learn Chinese by singing popular songs! We’ll learn useful words and phrases, practice pronunciation, understand the meaning behind the lyrics, and sing along together. No previous Chinese experience is required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to sing!
Come learn Chinese, discover new music, and have fun singing!
Course Fee: $0
Creative Writing and Journalism
Ms. Panicker
Description:
Reading poetry, short stories, and articles in school is all well and fun, but have you ever thought about writing your own? This course is designed to give you the tools to become the best writer you can -- drawing from the greats that have come before, while also channeling your own unique voice. We'll learn about structure, techniques, revision, and many more essential strategies that creative writers and journalists use.
Course Fee: $0
American Folk Tales **American Symposium Class
Mr. Sorensen
Description:
The course will explore the American folk tale and its impact on the development of the American character.
Course Fee: $0
Adventure with your Librarian **American Symposium Class
Ms. Coleman
Description:
Learn about your local libraries and find time to sit down with your favorite book!. Students can visit at their public library, including West Valley Library (Salt Lake County), Day Riverside Branch (SLC system), or Kearns (Salt Lake County). Learn how to get a public library card and check out materials, both in person and digitally.
Time spent on APA campus will be split between reading books checked out from the APA library, books checked out from the public library, and books brought from home.
Course Fee: $10
Indonesian Linguistics
Mr. Rutherford
Description:
In this class you will study both linguistics (the study of human language) and the Indonesian language. You will learn common Indonesian words and phrases, try Indonesian food, and learn about Indonesian culture. You will also learn things like why slang is actually important, how babies learn to talk, and how you can solve a crime with forensic linguistics.
Course Fee: $5
Fala Portugues com Ms. Van Ry
Ms. Van Ry
Description:
Unlock a new world of culture, travel, and opportunity by picking up Portuguese in just three weeks! Join me for an engaging, fast-paced course designed to get you speaking with confidence from day one.
Course Fee: $0
The Fellowship of the Ring: From Page to Screen
Mrs. Workman
Description:
Step into Middle-earth and join Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, and the rest of the Fellowship on an unforgettable adventure! In this course, junior high and high school students will read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, exploring the characters, cultures, friendships, challenges, and themes that make this classic fantasy story so enduring.
Along the way, students will participate in discussions, activities, and reflections that encourage them to think critically about courage, loyalty, temptation, friendship, sacrifice, and the choices characters make when faced with difficult circumstances. We’ll also explore Tolkien’s imaginative world—from hobbits and elves to dwarves, wizards, and the mysterious power of the One Ring.
After completing the book, students will culminate the course with a viewing of Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring. We’ll compare the book and movie, examining what was changed, what was left out, and how Tolkien’s written world was brought to life on screen.
Come for the adventure, stay for the Fellowship—and discover what happens when a great story makes the journey from page to screen!
Course Fee: $10
Stories from Around the World
Mr. Wilkinson
Description:
We will look at mythology from around the world. Students will choose the books they wish to read, with some guidance and then do an end cap project.
Course Fee: $0
Historical Card Games**An American Symposium Class
Ms. Wenglinsky
Description:
Be ready for any social occasion (you can already dance, go through a receiving line, and converse while holding a drink and a plate of canapes). Now round out the evening and learn to play Karnoffel with Martin Luther, Bridge with General Eisenhower and and Agatha Christie, Whist with Jules Verne and Benjamin Franklin, Cassino with Louisa May Alcott and Dolley Madison, Loo with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, or Speculation with Jane Austen and Mark Twain. (Students will learn in sequence, these trick-taking card games).
Course Fee: $0
History of Board Games
Mr. Christenson
Description:
Board games have been found in ancient tombs as far back as 4,600 BCE and they are just as fun to play today. This course will trace the history of board games from the oldest race games through modern day strategic contests. Students will play some of history's most intriguing games from different periods of time, including current bestsellers.
Course Fee: $0
Play Your Cards Right: Where cards came from—and what they can still do
Mr. Arteta
Description:
Uncover the surprising history of playing cards and learn clever, offbeat games you’ve probably never played. From strategy to silliness, it’s a fresh shuffle every day.
Course Fee: $0
Movie Scripts, Hollywood and the Entertainment Industry **American Symposium
Mr. Willoughby
Description:
In this class, students will have exclusive access to various movie scripts, including films that were produced and even some that were never made. We will not only read scripts, but learn about the process of producing a film, from writing to directing to acting and all the various jobs you can one day pursue if you want to work in show business. Everyday we will have a different lesson about movies, filmmaking, as well as the American history of Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Please keep in mind this is not a drama class, we will not be performing or acting out our movie scripts and students will not be expected to perform at any point. Also, we will not be watching movies, but rather short movie clips when it applies to the scripts we are reading.
This class will ultimately offer a different perspective into the art of storytelling and will help with literature by teaching students to recognize plot structure, character development, theme, and conflict in a clear, visual format before applying those same skills to novels and short stories.
Fee: $0
Novels I
Various
Description:
The Novels 1 students will be continuing learning the basic foundations for our upper level English classes as well as practicing their development of skills. Additionally, they will be reading John Steinbeck's novella The Pearl.
Fee: $0
Novels II
Various
Description:
The Novels 2 students will be continuing learning the basic foundations for our upper level English classes as well as practicing their development of skills. Additionally, they will be reading John Steinbeck's novella The Red Pony.
Fee: $0
Stars, Stones, and Secrets: The History of the New Age Movement in the US **American Symposium Class
Mrs. Horrocks
Description:
Ever had the same nightmare on repeat - teeth falling out, being chased by a monster, missing an important exam? Do you know what it really means to be a Libra, Scorpio, or Gemini - and why people historically used astrology to explain events, personalities, and fate? From meditation and palm reading to dream journaling and crystals, please have used all of these to understand themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Come join us as we dive into the New Age Movement and find out how it has shaped US history, pop culture, and the way we still think about identity and life today. Grab a friend, bring your curiosity, and get ready to explore a more mysterious side of history.
Fee: $8
Books to Movies **An American Symposium Class
Ms. Peterson
Description:
Ever wondered why your favorite book scenes look totally different on the big screen? Step into the ultimate page-to-screen showdown this Winterim! In Books to Movies, you'll read legendary stories like Holes, Matilda, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, watch their full movie adaptations, and break down what works, what got changed, and why. Get ready to analyze epic story choices, debate your favorite adaptations, and master clear, powerful comparison writing—all with hands-on guides and step-by-step support to level up your skills.
Fee: $0
Books to Movies 2
Ms. Peterson
Description:
Loved the first class and ready to take your analysis to the next level? Books to Movies 2 is built for students who have already completed Books to Movies, mastered the basics and are ready for bigger, bolder page-to-screen debates. Best of all? You'll help drive the discussion on a brand-new lineup of top-tier book-and-film pairings. Bring your sharpest takes and get ready to challenge how you view stories forever!
Fee: $0