FRESHMEN

English 9 Core 

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   

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 Core

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)

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 Core

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

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.

SENIORS

English 12 Core

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 

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 1

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 book clubs to improve their writing skills. Open to grades 10-12. This course offers 1 semester of English credit. 

Creative Writing 2

This course is designed to further develop creative writing skills after having taken creative writing 1. Students will participate in a choose your adventure approach in which they can choose to focus on developing a portfolio of poetry, short stories, or personal essays. Students will participate in class and small group workshops, personal revision, and book clubs in order to generate great writing. Open to grades 10-12, students must have taken creative writing 1 before registering for this course. This course offers 1 semester of English credit.

AP English Literature and Composition

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 . 

English 1010: Introduction to College Writing CE

Prerequisite: A minimum score of 18 on the ACT Reading section. English 1010 allows college-bound students 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 solidifying 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

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 and AP Language and Composition. This course will help students practice rhetorical awareness as they investigate social issues from a personal, local, national, and global perspective. The projects for this course will challenge students to consider the recursive nature of writing and research as they hone their writing skills in creative, analytical, informative, and persuasive forms. 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 

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.  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

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.

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. Because this is technically a sport, there will be a membership fee that is $250.

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. Because this is technically a sport, there will be a membership fee that is $250.

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. Because this is technically a sport, there will be a membership fee that is $250.