Course Descriptions - listed below

FRESHMEN

English 9 Fundamentals 9 Year

Students will continue to focus on increasing their vocabulary, understanding grammar fundamentals as well as their communication skills, ie. reading, writing, speaking, listening and language usage as outlined in the Utah State Core. Curriculum will be presented at a slower pace designed to meet students’ individual skill levels.

English 9 Core 9 Year

Students will focus on developing and strengthening skills and strategies necessary for effective communication at a grade appropriate level of expectation. Students will develop a deeper understanding of 21st century communication skills through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language usage as described by the Utah State Core.

English 9 Honors   9   Year

Students will gain advanced skills and strategies necessary for proficient communication in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language usage. Magnifying the skills described in the Utah State Core, they will pursue individual literacy interests and projects using creative and critical thinking at a more in-depth level than in a core class. Rigorous class work will prepare students for future honors and AP classes.

SOPHOMORES

English 10 Fundamentals 10 Year

 Reading- Students will read a variety of literature including novels, short stories, poetry, graphic novels, and informational texts. We focus on these reading skills: citing textual evidence, drawing inferences, identifying central ideas and themes, summarizing, analyzing complex characters, finding words and phrases that impact tone, evaluating arguments and point of view. Writing- Students write in a variety of modes including argumentative, informational, and narrative. We will focus on these writing skills: following the steps of the writing process, creating appropriate organization, development, and style, revising and editing, using technology. Listening/Speaking- Students will participate in collaborative discussion while evaluating reasoning and development of others’ ideas, adapt discussion or presentations for specific purposes, tasks, audiences, and contexts. Language- Level 10 English focuses on specific tasks and skills including academic vocabulary, MLA format for English, figurative language, and mechanical skills (spelling, semicolons, colons, capitalization). 

English 10 Core 10 Year

 Reading- Students will read a variety of literature including novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and informational texts. We focus on these reading skills: citing textual evidence, drawing inferences, identifying central ideas and themes, summarizing, analyzing complex characters, finding words and phrases that impact tone, seeing how authors transform and use source material, evaluating arguments and point of view using text structures. Writing- Students write in a variety of modes including argumentative, informational, research, and narrative. We will focus on these writing skills: following the steps of the writing process; creating appropriate organization, development, and style; revising and editing; using technology; conducting and reporting research. Listening/Speaking- Students will initiate and participate in collaborative discussion; create and adapt presentations for specific purposes, tasks, audiences, and contexts; evaluate reasoning and development of others’ work; use multiple sources of information and diverse media. Language- Level 10 English focuses on specific tasks and skills including academic vocabulary, MLA format for English, parallel structure, figurative language, and mechanical skills. 

English 10 Honors (AP Preparation) 10 Year

A rigorous course designed to develop advanced writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills in preparation for AP Language (grade 11), AP Literature, and/or Concurrent Enrollment classes (grade 12).  This class will explore a variety of writing and literary genres, focusing on complex and mature literature at a faster pace and with a heavier workload than is expected in the core class.  Students will be expected to continue developing their prior writing skills and will write in the narrative, informative, argumentative, and research genres throughout the year. Language skills such as spelling, word usage, grammar, and vocabulary will be incorporated into the reading, writing, and research process. Students should plan to do all writing and reading at home, coming to class prepared for instruction, discussion, and collaboration. 

JUNIORS

English 11 Fundamentals 11 Year

This class is intended to help students focus on grammar, reading, and writing strategies that will allow them to communicate effectively.  As high school is the last step before adulthood, it's to a student's advantage to identify and address communication difficulties and create strategies that can be used in coming educational and professional opportunities. 

English 11 Core 11 Year

Reading- Students will read a variety of literature including novels, short stories, poetry, and informational texts. In addition to reviewing Level 10 reading skills, we also focus on: citing textual evidence; identifying themes and central ideas; interpreting an author’s rhetorical choices; evaluating sources; analyzing multiple interpretations of a work; recognizing point of view in sarcasm, satire, and irony. Writing- Students write in a variety of modes including argumentative, informational, research, and narrative. We will focus on these writing skills: following the steps of the writing process; creating appropriate organization, development, and style; revising and editing; using technology; conducting and reporting research. Listening/Speaking- Students will: initiate and participate in collaborative discussion; create and adapt presentations for specific purposes, tasks, audiences, and contexts; evaluate reasoning and development of others’ work; use multiple sources of information and diverse media. Language- Level 11 English focuses on language skills like academic vocabulary, MLA format, varying syntax, hyphenation and other mechanical skills.  

AP English Language and Composition 11 Year

Students should have a strong proficiency and interest in reading and writing. A college level writing class focused on developing literacy skills needed for critical inquiry, deliberation, argument, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Emphasizes reading and writing with a focus on its rhetorical function more than its aesthetic appeal. Students will read and write more analytic and argumentative texts than traditional literary texts; however, you will read some literary selections, including poetry, to discuss rhetoric from a literary perspective. The course focuses on writing to inquire, to explain, to criticize, and to persuade in a variety of rhetorical situations. Great for students interested in a college-level composition course focused on the practical and rhetorical types of reading/writing more than traditional literary reading/writing (poetry, fiction, drama, etc.). College Credit Details: Most colleges and universities grant up to eight hours of credit to those students who complete the course and pass the A.P. exam with a satisfactory score. This credit applies to most universities and colleges and is not earned directly from one particular institution. See details about credit offered by individual colleges at www.collgeboard.org . Some colleges will take both A.P. English classes; some take only Language or only Literature. Please see the website above to check schools you are interested in attending. 

SENIORS HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT ONLY

English 12 Fundamentals 12 Year

This course offers a survey of the literature of many different countries and time periods. Students will study many different genres and styles of literature from a variety of time periods and perspectives with emphasis placed on improving reading and writing skills. Students will read, critique, collaborate and learn to identify and use both literary and rhetorical devices. This course is great for students who need a smaller class size and more individualized attention.

English 12 Core 12 Year

This course offers an overview of great literature written by authors from around the world, including Britain, India, Pakistan, Mexico, and the United States. Students will practice their comprehension skills and strategies while reading/analyzing great literature as well as work on writing with greater awareness, confidence, control, critical thinking, and flexibility. Students will explore the attitudes and values of diverse cultures and time periods and determine how they reflect current society. In addition, the course provides practice in writing about literature, how to conduct contemporary, relevant research, and the importance of literary and self-reflection. English 12 is a great choice for students who have enjoyed their English 10 and 11 Core classes and would like to continue in a literature-focused environment.

Professional Reading and Writing 12 Year 

Don’t let the title scare you! This course is offered to high school seniors who are interested in learning communications and presentation skills that will benefit them in whichever profession they may want to pursue. Although the class is designed as a non-literature English class, that by no means indicates that students won't be reading - they will. However, in the place of literature, reading and writing assignments will focus more on non-fiction, news- or  profession-based articles, as well as excerpts from the textbook and other informational materials. Emphasis will be on recognition and discussion of contemporary issues, desktop publishing skills, and argumentative and business writing. This class offers English 12 credit.

Creative Writing   11-12           Semester

This course is designed to help students develop creative writing skills. Students will learn through reading and writing in the genres of poetry, short fiction, and creative non-fiction. Students will also participate in class and small group workshops, personal revision, and conferences with the teacher to improve their writing skills.Creating Pegasus, the Olympus literary magazine, is the focus for a 2nd semester of the course. Open to grades 11-12. Seniors may take this course for 1 semester of English credit.

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European Literature 12 Semester

Come explore a TALE OF TWO CITIES! We delve into the life and times of the greatest playwright and poet of all times – the man who brought us Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet – and explore his city – London. PLUS we will travel across the channel to the city that brought us the author of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame and explore Paris. We will compare other authors from these two cities as well – We will peek into the life of the man who brought us A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver, A Christmas Carol and many other classics. With a lot of surprises along the way! Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the places through the writings of some of the greatest authors who prove the saying: “The pen is mightier than the sword.”  Seniors can take this course for English or Fine Arts credit. NOTE: This class will appear as SHAKESPEARE on your schedule and transcript.

HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE CREDIT AVAILABLE

AP English Literature and Composition 12 Year

Students should have a strong proficiency and interest in reading and writing and have excellent English and citizenship grades. A college level class in literature and composition.  Emphasizes analysis, critical thought, and appreciation of many literary genres.  Students will develop advanced skills in reading and responding to prose and poetry in preparation for the A.P. exam. Great for students who enjoy reading, writing, and discussing literature. College Credit Details: Most colleges and universities grant up to eight hours of credit to those students who complete the course and pass the A.P. exam with a satisfactory score. This credit applies to most universities and colleges and is not earned directly from one particular institution. See details about credit offered by individual colleges at www.collgeboard.org . This course may include a summer reading assignment. 

English 1010: Introduction to College Writing CE 12 Semester

Prerequisite: A minimum score of 18 on the ACT Reading section. English 1010 is great for college-bound students wanting to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. The course provides engagement with rhetorical concepts and continual practice with close and critical reading and writing skills. Students will develop college-level writing demonstrated in assignments emphasizing analysis, synthesis, reflection, argumentation, writing using multiple sources with correct documentation, and self-assessment. A main aim of the course is to think about texts as purpose-driven, audience-centered, and socially, culturally, and historically situated. This class begins building and/or begins to solidify students’ confidence and capability as readers and writers in academic contexts. 1010 emphasizes the importance of finding writing and revision processes that work for students. Students will have a writing project instead of a final test. English 1010 serves as a bridge to 2010 and is accepted by state colleges in Utah. No text is required as open educational resources will be used. A grade of “C” or higher must be earned to receive the college credit.

English 2010: Intermediate College Writing CE 12 Semester 

Prerequisite: English 1010 (C or higher grade) or AP English Language score of 3 or higher  English 2010 will build on the rhetorical strategies, effective writing, and critical thinking skills students learned in English 1010. This course will help students practice rhetorical awareness and community engagement as they investigate ways in which they can affect the community. The papers and projects for this course ask students to explore their relationship to their place (location and community) by understanding how others have affected their community and how they might contribute to the dynamics of their place. Analysis of visual mediums in our society will be included. Students will have the opportunity to present their ideas both independently and collaboratively. This course is accepted by state colleges in Utah. BYU and Westminster also accept this course for English credit. No text is required as open educational resources will be used.  A grade of “C” or higher must be earned to receive the college credit.

Humanities 1100: Introduction to Humanities CE 12 Semester

Prerequisite: Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA Through literature, philosophy, religion, art, and music, this course investigates all aspects of what it means to be human. Emphasis on lecture and class discussions focused on several themes—world religions and myth, war and freedom, justice and equality, our relationship to nature, romantic and divine love, and the ways we view death. Students will read advanced literature that requires critical thinking and thoughtful analysis, write about their reading, and participate in class discussions on the themes. Great for students interested in discussing literature in the context of other forms of art and thought and exploring deep and profound human themes. This course offers high school credit in English and three semester hours of college credit in Humanities.  A grade of “C” or higher must be earned to receive the college credit. Humanities does not meet requirements for the Regents’ Scholarship. 

ESL (English as a Second Language)

ESL courses are for students learning the English language.  Which courses you must take depends upon your score on WIDA Level Exams. These exams are not administered until March, but Granite School District (along with your current teacher) makes recommendations for each student.  Your actual schedule may change if your WIDA Level Exam scores are very different from what is expected.  Please see Ms. Smith (room 281) or your junior high ESL teacher for help selecting the correct course.  Note:  All students who score between 1-4 on WIDA Level exams are required to take the ESL courses as described below.

ESL Course Descriptions 9-12 Year

ESL Language Development) (Levels 1-3) teaches basic academic English for support in classes of all content areas and helps students develop fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.  Students who score between 1-3 on the WIDA Level Exams are required to take this course. Students who score a “4” cannot take the course.

ESL ENGLISH 9, 10, 11, or 12 (Levels 1-2) are English classes designed around the same curriculum as English Core classes. Additionally, the course gives basic instruction in spelling, vocabulary, grammar and usage. Further support and guidance is provided for English language learners, especially in the areas of reading and writing. Students who score between 1-3 on the WIDA Level Exams are required to take this course.  Students who score a “4” should take the course, but if they prefer to take an English Core class, they may IF they enroll in another ESL class (ESL History, for example).

ESL ENGLISH 9, 10, 11, or 12 (Levels 3-4) are English classes designed around the same curriculum as English Core classes. Additionally, the course gives basic instruction in spelling, vocabulary, grammar and usage. Further support and guidance is provided for English language learners, especially in the areas of reading and writing. Students who score between 2-3 on the WIDA Level Exams are required to take this course.  Students who score a “4” should take the course, but if they prefer to take an English Core class, they may IF they enroll in another ESL class (ESL History, for example). Students will study novels, poetry, drama, and short stories with focus on citing evidence, mood and tone, vocabulary development and comprehension, determining theme, and character development. Students will write summaries, free writes, informational essays, literary analysis, narratives, and arguments.

CE ESL 1010 Adv. Speaking and Listening (Semester 1) 11-12 Semester

This course develops academic listening and speaking skills for advanced level students who are interested in pursuing an academic degree at Salt Lake Community College. Learners work on academic vocabulary development, academic listening skills development, development of effective note-taking, and academic discussions and presentation skills. Course materials include authentic academic lectures and texts. Activities include giving formal presentations, engaging in small group discussions, and reporting on basic research. Successful completion of this course indicates that students are college-ready. Prerequisite:  Students must have a WIDA score of 3 or higher. Appropriate SLCC placement or successful completion of KESL 0725 Advanced I Listening/Speaking.

CE ESL 1020 Adv. Reading and Writing (Semester 2) 11-12 Semester

This course develops academic reading, writing, and research skills of advanced ESL students. Students are introduced to language skills necessary for successful completion of introductory university content courses. Learner outcomes include academic vocabulary development, improvement in reading and comprehension of university textbook materials, and development of the academic essay and research paper writing skills. Students read and present material both verbally and in writing, write essays, and complete a research paper. Successful completion of this course satisfies English placement requirements for ENGL 1010. Prerequisite: Students must have a WIDA score of 3 or higher. Appropriate SLCC placement or successful completion of KESL Advanced I Reading and Writing. 

Debate 1 - 570700 - Year 

Available for 9-12 Grades

This course is designed to develop the skills of effective communication, research, and writing for argumentation. Students practice these skills through debate, student congress, oratory, impromptu, and other speech events. Through competition, students earn National Speech and Debate Association honors which could lead to scholarship awards.  Self-motivated classroom work, participation in weekend tournaments, and adult judging requirements are requisite for a passing grade. Fee: $60 

Debate 2 - 570730 - Year  

Available for 10-12 Grades

Prerequisite: Debate 1 This course is designed to continue developing the skills of effective communication, research, and writing for argumentation. Students practice these skills through debate, student congress, oratory, impromptu, and other speech events. Through competition, students earn National Speech and Debate Association honors which could lead to scholarship awards.  Self-motivated classroom work, weekend tournaments, and adult judging requirements are requisite for a passing grade. Fee: $60

Debate 3-4 - 570760 - Year

Available for 12th Grade

Prerequisites: Debate 1 and 2. This course hones students’ speech and debate skills. Students will continue to compete in both debate and individual events for tournament competition and refine advanced debate techniques through competition. Students earn National Speech and Debate Association honors which could lead to scholarship awards.Debate 3-4 focuses on student leadership of the debate team and gives students in their 12th grade year the opportunity to participate as not only a competitor, but also a leader and teacher on the debate team. Self-motivated classroom work, weekend tournaments, and adult judging requirements are requisite for a passing grade.   Fee: $60