Curriculum
Upper School - Grades Nine Through Twelve
English
The English Department program teaches our students to think logically and creatively, to speak confidently and articulately, to listen carefully, to read perceptively and critically, and to write effectively. Reading and writing serve as the central strands of the curriculum. The reading strand consists of classic and contemporary selections from every genre and includes a variety of themes. The writing strand requires all students to complete reflective personal essays, creative pieces, literary analysis papers, and argumentative essays.
Core Program:
English I, II, and III; English IV: Senior Seminar; Charter*; Trident* (*co-curricular)
Electives:
Latin American Literature, Modern World Literature
Advanced Placement:
English Literature and Composition
World Languages
The World Languages Department is committed to teaching language as a process of communication. At every level, teachers emphasize active participation combined with instruction. The goal is to ensure students acquire speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in their target language, as well as to present the study of other cultures to increase global awareness.
Core Program:
French II, III, IV, V, VI
Latin II, III, IV
Spanish I, II, III, IV, V, VI
Chinese I, II, Modern China
Honors:
French III H, IV H
Spanish III H, IV H
Advanced Placement:
French Language, French Literature, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature
History
The scope and sequence of the history curriculum is a spiral which seeks to impart and reinforce key concepts, skills, and values. The courses are designed to promote cultural literary, critical thinking, and active citizenship. In a shrinking world, USM has a special commitment to promote global awareness and understanding.
Core Program:
World Civilizations, Western Civilization, U.S. History, U.S. Politics, Economics, Fascism and the Final Solution, World Religions, Psychology, Global Studies
Honors:
Western Civilization H
Advanced Placement:
U.S. History, European History* (*exam preparation available only)
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department teaches students how to explore and logically develop mathematics ideas, develop problem-solving skills, and master a mathematical foundation for life. Teachers help their students develop speed and precision in mathematical computation; acquire the ability to organize, analyze, and draw logical conclusions; and develop an appreciation of and curiosity about mathematics.
Core Program:
Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra
Honors:
Algebra II H, Geometry H, Pre-Calculus H
Advanced Placement:
Statistics, Calculus AB, Calculus BC
Science
The Science Department offers a sequential survey of the sciences. By making frequent use of laboratory investigations, students are provided with concrete experiences as they employ their own cognitive skills to explore the physical and biological world. Faculty encourages students to develop competency in the skills and processes of science, further an understanding of the scientific method, and acquire scientific literacy for continuing study and application in daily life.
Core Program:
Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Biotechnology, Scientific Research Program, Greenhouse* (*co-curricular)
Honors:
Quantitative Chemistry/Physics H
Advanced Placement:
Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics B, Physics C-E&M, Physics C-Mechanics, Biology
Computer Science
For those students whose interest in technology transcends everyday work into the design of software and the inner workings of the computer, the Computer Science Department offers electives at differing levels of challenge.
Electives:
Introduction to Programming, Programming with Java
Advanced Placement:
Computer Science* (*course offered every other year)
Fine Arts
Students enrolled in fine arts classes build their individuality, originality, and self-confidence through their experiences in plays, concerts, and art displays. Teachers emphasize both the craft and content of the arts through history, analysis, criticism, and aesthetics. Students develop and refine artistic skills, performance proficiency, and technique within their discipline.
Core Program:
ART: Foundations of Art, Photography I and II, Sculpture, Painting, Printmaking, Drawing, Digital Art, 2D-Portfolio, Metalsmithing
MUSIC: Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, Jazz Band*, Concert Choir, Swing Choir* (*co-curricular)
THEATRE: Acting Studio, Speech, Stagecraft, Video Production, Documentary Production,
Creative Writing for the Theatre
Physical Education
Core Program:
Fundamentals of Physical Education, Fundamentals of Health Science, Weight Training, Advanced Weight Training, Physical Education (Grades 10-12)
Global Studies Program
The Global Studies Program offers sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are interested in international issues an opportunity to develop and extend their interest. Global Scholars concentrate on world languges, history, culture, and economics through coursework, service, readings, travel, and lectures.
Advanced Placement
USM offers 18 Advanced Placement subject areas and leads Wisconsin in Advanced Placement (AP) success. Five of the last ten Wisconsin State AP Scholars have come from our school (AP Scholars are students who have scored a grade of 3 or higher on more exams than other students in the state). We traditionally have an overall passing rate of about 90%, far higher than the national passing rate of about 60%. Around 75% of our students participate in the AP program.
*Students may sit for AP examinations in the courses with no AP designation with the permission of the teacher.
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