AP Language and Composition Fall 2017
Instructor: Mrs. Baum
Email Address:
Phone Number: 256-261-5313
General Course Information
Grade level: 11
1.0Credits
Prerequisites: Pre-AP 10 is highly recommended
Course Description
AP English Language and Composition is designed in accordance with the guidelines described in the AP English Course Description.
The AP English Language and Composition course is composed of four crucial components of reading and examining texts, primarily nonfiction. Those components or “the four pillars” are close read, rhetorical, synthesis, and argument. The course is also designed in accordance to the College Board AP English Language and Composition Course Description, and therefore students focus on evaluating “author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques,” “writer’s linguistic and rhetorical choices,” and express in their own writing, “an effective use of rhetoric, including controlling tone, establishing and maintaining voice, and achieving appropriate emphasis through diction and sentence structure” through focusing on those four pillars (Workshop Handbook 2012-2013, AP Course Audit p 1-2).
Students will create analytical writing to address various rhetorical modes. Students will learn how to examine and critique external sources to synthesize thesis-based research. Writing will be graded based on the following: effective word choice, inventive sentence structure, effective organization, exhaustive supporting details, parenthetical citations (where appropriate), connection of ideas, and connection of all ideas to the thesis.
Students will prepare for the AP English Language and Composition Exam in May, which in turn may grant advanced placement, college credit, or both, due to a satisfactory performance.
Course Objectives
Students will be trained in stylistic analysis, logical reasoning, and rhetorical skills necessary for the AP Language and Composition Examination in the spring.
In addition to the above, students will also be able to:
Critically analyze texts of varying form and purpose
Recognize and utilize rhetorical strategies and stylistic devices
Analyze, formulate, and develop arguments
Compose clear, coherent prose
Read and write personal narratives, short stories, letters, essays, poems, reports, research, evaluation, critiques/persuasive writing
Actively and consistently incorporate newly acquired grammar skills and vocabulary into composition writing
Supplies
1. 3-ring binder, dividers, and loose-leaf notebook paper
2. Black or Blue Ink Pens
3. Highlighters
4. The Things They Carried
Wish List for Classroom
Copy paper, hand sanitizer
Binder Organization
Section 1: Yellow Pages
Section 2: Rhetorical Analysis notes, handouts, and returned essays
Section 3: Argument notes, handouts, and returned essays
Section 4: Synthesis notes, handouts, returned essays
Section 5: AP Multiple Choice notes and helpful information
Section 6: Vocabulary
Make-up Work
As in a college course, when you miss class, it is expected that you will obtain any notes or directions you missed from a classmate. Write the names and contact information of two classmates in your block below.
1.
2.
Make-up Test Policy
Make-up tests and/or essays will be given for excused absences only. Make-up tests/essays will be administered during Refuel on Fridays. If the make-up day is missed without prior approval, then the missing grade will remain a zero.
Homework
Assignments are due at the beginning of class. If a student cannot produce the assignment at the time for which it is called, then it will be considered a zero.
Late Work
Assignments turned in one day late will be deducted 20 points. Major projects and essays/research paper will not be accepted late.
Papers
1. See me in advance if you have problems accessing a computer or if you are having printer problems.
2. Only use 12 Font, Times New Roman.
Grading Period
This class is divided into nine-week categories. Report cards will be distributed at the end of each nine-week period. Progress reports will be distributed at three-week intervals throughout the nine weeks.
GradingScale: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (65-69), F (64 and below)
*Cheating and plagiarism of any kind are never tolerated. The academic misconduct policy of the school will be followed in this course.
*Please note that all requests for accommodations for this course or any school event are welcomed from students and parents. Any student who receives failing grades during this course is urged to discuss this with me so we can devise a plan for improvement.
Absences
*Consistent attendance is essential for success in this course.
1. If absent, email me to find out what you missed or check with a class mate. The day you return, check with me to schedule a time to make up any missed test or essay.
2. Homework is due the day you return from an absence. It is YOUR responsibility to show it to me.
3. If you are absent the day a major project or assignment is due, you must turn it in the day you return or it will be considered late.
4. If you are going on a field trip, previously assigned work should be completed prior to the trip. Work missed the day of the trip is due the day you return.
5. If you are absent the day before a long-term assignment or test, it is still due on the assigned day since you were already aware of the deadline.
6. Always talk to me IN ADVANCE if you foresee a problem with an assignment.
*The attendance policy of the school will be followed in this course
Class Expectations
1. Be respectful, polite, and courteous.
2. Be prepared (bring all required materials to class).
3. Be on time and in your seat when the tardy bell rings and immediately begin working on your Bell Ringer for the day. (Do not wait for me to tell you to begin.)
4. Keep all handouts, notes, graded papers, etc. in the appropriate section in your binder. You will need these to review before taking the AP test in May.
5. Take responsibility for your actions.
6. Follow all procedures and policies as outlined by James Clemens High School and Madison City Schools.
7. Do not do anything that would interfere with all of us having a successful and enjoyable semester
Discipline
Unacceptable behavior can be categorized as disruption, disrespect, and defiance. Unacceptable behavior will NOT be tolerated. The following are consequences for unacceptable behavior:
1st offenseVerbal warning
2nd offenseParent contact
3rd offenseAdministrator contact
Any major offense can be sent directly to an administrator.
*Students who are not in my classroom and seated when the tardy bell rings will be considered tardy and will be assigned after school detention. No exceptions.*
Technology
1. Under no circumstances are student laptops to be wired to the network or have print capabilities.
2. No discs, flash drives, jump drives, or other USB devices will be allowed.
3. Neither the teacher, nor the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops/iPads.
4. Laptops/iPads will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher.
5. There will be occasions where cell phone use will be allowed (research, defining words,
etc.). However, unless the teacher specifies that cell phone use be allowed, all cell phones should be turned off and put away. Failure to do this warrants disciplinary action.
Unit 1: Rhetorical Analysis/Multiple Choice
Unit 2: Synthesis/Multiple Choice
Unit 3: Argument/Multiple Choice
Outside reading: Night, The Great Gatsby,columnist articles from Headlinespot.com.
Students will read a wide variety of speeches, essays, and excerpts from non-fiction texts. Students will also examine several visual texts, such as political cartoons, advertisements, and music videos. Students will focus on reading these pieces critically, identifying effective use of grammar, style, tone, diction, imagery, syntax and how those elements come together to appropriately address their intended audience and purpose.
Timed Writes: Students will participate in timed writes based on an AP exam prompt on a regular basis. Writes may be a rhetorical analysis, argument, creative piece, expository piece, or synthesis of given material, but will align with the current focus of the class and build in concept.
Multiple Choice Practice: In addition to direct instruction on multiple choice test taking strategies, students will take multiple MC quizzes throughout the semester and will keep track of scores in order to identify question types that they find challenging and develop a study strategy to address problem question types.
Following a Columnist Project: This project involves research and an in-depth analysis of one well-known columnist. Students will locate columns written by the pundit of their choice and identify and evaluate their stylistic choices. Reader’s Response Journal will be due every 4 weeks.
Parent and Student Contract
Dear Parent/Guardian,
I want to help make this a successful and enjoyable semester. I feel fortunate to have your son/daughter in my AP Language and Composition class this semester and hope that you will contact me should you have any concerns about the progress of your child. Please read the attached policies and sign and date this signature page. Make sure your child has signed it as well. Parents, please be sure to include your email address, as I often use email to communicate with parents.
I am looking forward to a great semester!
I have read and I understand the rules, procedures, and expectations for my AP Language and Composition course and pledge to uphold thepolicies as given. I agree to do my best in all class assignments and to ask for help when needed.
Student Signature: ______Date: ______
Student email address: ______
I have read all of my child’s class rules, procedures, and expectations and am aware of what will be expected of my child. I also agree to support my child’s education by placing value on that education and remaining interested in my child’s progress. I understand that it takes the student, the teacher, and parents working together to help ensure success.
Parent or Guardian Printed Name: ______
Parent or Guardian Signature: ______Date:______
Home telephone # or cell phone #: ______
Parent or Guardian Email address: ______
Does your child have access to a computer and printer at home? ______
Can your child access the Internet from this computer? ______
Additional comments you would like to make: ______