AP English: Literature and Composition
Michael P. Murphy, Ph.D.
Phone: (925) 686-5353 Ext. 321
Materials Required
The Odyssey, Homer
The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde
The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature, ed. M. Myer
Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad
To the Lighthouse Virginia Woolf
Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe
Hamlet, William Shakespeare (in the Bedford)
Slaughterhouse 5, Kurt Vonnegut
The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro
A binder and plenty of paper
- You will divide this binder into three sections:
- a section for class notes
- a section for your personal journal
- a section for handouts, etc.
Blue or black ink pens
Pencils
Course Description
AP English Literature and Composition is a specialized course for students who demonstrate an exceptional interest in and a commitment to the study of literature. Students in this course will have already developed strong writing and analytical skills. The curriculum is designed to cultivate a careful reading of a variety of literary works (both in genre and in era) in order to develop a more sophisticated understanding of literary art and meaning. By careful study, students will gain a deeper appreciation of literature and language as well as a more acute understanding of the writer's craft. In short, the course is concerned largelywith “meaning”: how we experience a piece of literature, how we interpret it,how we evaluate it, and so on.
Course Objectives
AP English Literature is designed with three basic goals in mind:to cultivate a deeper appreciation for narrative, dramatic, and performing art (literature, theater, film, opera, etc.), to hone critical and analytical skills, and to improve skills in speaking and reasoning. In addition to these considerations, we will also be tempted (like Odysseus) by other horizons--from expanding our vocabulary to utilizing multimedia to creating original literary artifacts. Students will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively in all of these areas.
While this course does not limit itself by “teaching to the test,” ample time is nonetheless allocated for in-class preparation for the May exam. As with anything in life, additional, independent preparation is required for any student who expects to score well. All students are expected to sit for the exam.
Much goes into the proper formation of the human person. Our course aids in this enterprise. We encourage students to maintain and/or develop the habit of reading good literature outside of school and discussing these texts intelligently with their colleagues. To that end, students will be required to engage in (at the rate of about one book per quarter) interactive outside reading. Students will be apprised of “book club” protocol and given a list of approved texts in due course. Also, students are encouraged to get the most out of living in the Bay Area by making an odyssey of cultural experience. You will be visiting museums and attending concerts, plays, and other happenings. Some of these visits are mandatory and one or two will be for extra credit.
Assessment
Grades are based on a point system. Students will earn points on discussions, tests, projects, presentations, quizzes, participation, and other assignments. Some grades will affect the final grade more dramatically than others. In any case, students are strongly encouraged to keep their returned work and to keep their own personal academic logs (if a dispute over a grade arises, it will be up to you to produce the assignment in question). Link to PowerSchool for regular updates.[1]Not all assignments will be graded and/or returned
Grading Scale Grade Composition
100%-94%=A 76%-74%=CTests/Essays/Projects/Quizzes/
93%-90%=A- 73%-70%=C-Daily Assignments: Roughly 75%
89%-87%=B+ 69%-67%=D+
86%-84%= B 66%-64%=D Participation: Roughly25%
83%-80%=B- 63%-60%=D-
79%-77%=C+ Below 60%=F
A Note on Grading Philosophy
As important and indispensable as solid academic performance is (i.e., daily work, essays, etc.), the manner of student expression in the classroom is a major component of the overall grade. Students are expected to participate responsibly, eagerly, and authentically. Students are expected to be “present”: to engage the work, the ideas, and each other. Grades can rise and fall on preparedness and participation.
Important:
- I will periodically assess your notebook. Taking notes is crucial. Sometimes your notes will help you prepare for a test or write a paper, sometimes they won’t. In any case, it’s essential to develop the habit of good note-taking.
- As this is (perhaps) the most explicitly college preparatory course you will have as a high school student, we aim for authenticity. As in university study, you will have far fewer chances to “score” than you might be used to. In other words, there are fewer assignments--so do your best at all times.
- Academic honesty is extremely important. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: copying someone’s work, giving someone your work to look at (even if it is just to get help), getting information from the internet or computer without citing your source, helping or receiving help on tests, and discussing test material with someone who has already taken or will take a test. Cheating will result in a zero, a phone call home, detention, and giving your name to the deans.
- Progress grades are given at quarter's end and final grades at semester's end. Progress reports will be issued to those who attain a C- or lower and may be given at any time.
A Note on visiting Moodle (and linking to the Class Web Page)
Students are to visit the Class Web Page Daily. I usually post all important announcements and load important documents by 6PM. The CWP is a vital lifeline. Bookmark it today.
Parental Acknowledgement/Endorsement
“I have read the prospectus for AP English Literature.”
Student Signed:______Print Name:______
Parent Signed______Print Name______
[1] The goal is to update grades every 2-3 weeks. Depending on the time of year and the stage of curriculum, there may or may not be new grades to enter at the 2-3 week interval.