English 9
1.0 credit
Instructors: Adam Burningham, Wendy Haws, Jennifer Mortensen, Ellen Walker
The needs of ninth grade students transitioning to high school are a fundamental concern to middle-level language arts teachers. The Utah Core focuses on reading and writing experiences that are developmentally appropriate: vocabulary instruction that compares connotation with denotation and identifies word meanings using sentence structure (grammar), reading instruction that focuses on inference and the difference between interesting and important information in informational text, and character development and more complex figurative language in narrative and poetry. Writing focuses on comparing multiple ideas and perspectives to extend thinking through writing, and concentrates on persuasive writing in preparation for the Utah Basic Skills Test. Skills in analytical evaluation and assessment of writing become more nuanced, and editing skills are specific and clearly delineated. Inquiry skills are focused on questioning as a research technique and evaluating sources of information.
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English 10
1.0 credit
Instructors: Pat Gledhill, Cheryl Hlavaty, Shannon Lott, Jackie Liddle
The developmental needs of students approaching young adulthood are critical to secondary language arts teachers. The Utah Core
focuses on reading and writing experiences that are developmentally appropriate: vocabulary instruction that evaluates connotation in text and compares and identifies word meanings using analogy and antonym context clues. Because human beings are never too old to improve their
reading skills, reading instruction focuses on electronic text, using explicit and implicit information to evaluate informational text; on the ways in which character development and connections to politics, history, and culture contribute to great literature; and on more complex figurative language, including simile, metaphor, pun, symbolism and personification. Writing focuses on analysis and interpretation of multiple ideas and perspectives to extend thinking through writing. Persuasive writing is a continued emphasis in preparation for the Utah Basic Skills Test. Skills in analytical evaluation and assessment of writing are further nuanced, and editing skills are specific and clearly delineated. Inquiry skills are focused on synthesizing information in preparation for presenting research results.
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English 11
1.0 credit
Instructors: Rosaline Capell, Julie Major, Barbara Springer
Eleventh graders are seeking greater and greater independence. Where they are demanding more autonomy and respect as adults, they are still maturing and reaching for adulthood. The Utah Core focuses on reading and writing experiences that are developmentally appropriate. Vocabulary instruction looks at the cultural and contextual meanings of words. Reading instruction continues to offer young adults opportunities for improvement through growing sophistication in interaction with a variety of texts. Writing moves to analysis and interpretation of multiple ideas and perspectives to extend thinking and demands synthesizing of ideas to form conclusions and recommend actions. Analytical evaluation and assessment of writing are further nuanced, and editing skills are more sophisticated and specifically and clearly delineated. Inquiry skills are focused on synthesizing information in preparation for presenting research results.
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English 12
1.0 credit Instructors: Hollie Barenz, Leslie Phillips, Mark Harris
The twelfth grade language arts course of study is for young adults who are preparing to enter the world of work, further training, or higher education. Vocabulary study focuses on word etymologies, and the incendiary nature of gender biased and racially/religiously/culturally biased language. The study of roots and affixes centers on Latin-based vocabulary. Reading continues to be taught, emphasizing literary analysis/criticism, historical commentary, political statements, and culturally and historically significant literary works. Writing to learn emphasizes cause and effect, analysis and refutation of opposing opinions, and important text connections. Revision and editing in written work are further refined, and inquiry becomes more meaningful as students approach graduation from school and entrance into the adult phase of their lives.
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Journalism
0.5 credit
Instructor: Jennifer Mortenson
Students will learn both the ethnical and technical skills required of journalists. They will learn the lingo of journalism, and write headlines, feature stories, editorials, reviews, and columns. Students are expected to read a newspaper at least twice a week, and stay abreast of current affairs.
No materials are required for this course.
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Sports Literature
1.0 credit
Instructor: Rod Belnap
Sports Literature is designed as an alternative or an option to English 12 as a requirement for high school graduation. The class provides tremendous preparation for college, requires commitment and work on the part of the student, and is designed to "hit you where you live." Sports is of great interest in the lives of young people (and adults alike). We talk about it, think about it, read about it, and watch it on some level almost daily. Research today indicates that students who read and write on topics of interest to them, gain skills and have a greater likelihood of furthering their reading if they are able to read something of interest to them. As a result of Title IX and the school requirement for physical education, more youth participate in sport than ever before. With this participation comes personal experience and a culture that is inundated by sport. Sport dominates our electronic media, our newspapers, and our language. A sports book might not provide the same sense of democracy and unity as watching a game, but the work of literature may bring a vicarious recollection of that experience coupled with a thoughtful opportunity to reflect on that sport, society, family, human nature, love, life, or death --- all of the things that matter most us as people. These are issues that affect us not just as adults but as young people as well. For this reason, sport literature is interesting and intriguing way to help you understand yourself and your lives.
No materials are required for this course.
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