Philip Templet

The Talented and Gifted Magnet

English II Pre-AP

2016-2017

Course Description:

The English teachers at the Talented and Gifted Magnet High School strive to discover, understand, and develop the talents and interests of our students, feeding and cultivating the extraordinary potential in each of them, ensuring that they graduate more than merely skilled, helping them--through the literature we study—to become more self-aware, self-possessed, and wiser.

English II Pre-AP assists the student in acquiring the reasoning and analytical skills necessary for success in Advanced Placement courses. English II Pre-AP provides a challenging curriculum that introduces a student to a rich variety of literature, thematic concepts, and sophisticated analytical skills. Designed for students willing to devote themselves to rigorous scholarship, this course enriches the student’s secondary studies and provides the means for success in AP classes.

Attendance:

The best predictor of student achievement is regular attendance. While I appreciate that my students are involved in a plethora of activities, they are responsible for balancing the demands of a full schedule.

Tardies:

Students who enter the classroom after the tardy bell has sounded are tardy. I prefer that students be in their seats, ready to go, as soon as the sounding of the bell.

Academic Expectations:

Students will demonstrate the ability to

  • Write effectively for a variety of purposes.
  • Determine universal meaning in literary works of varying length.
  • Develop an appreciation of literature in diverse time periods, styles, and genres.
  • Identify and analyze the elements of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama.
  • Illustrate the effective use of grammar and mechanics in original compositions.
  • Utilize the tools of technology to develop and support effective writing.
  • Work independently within a given time frame inside and outside of class.

Behavioral Expectations:

  • Arrive on time.
  • Always have the accoutrements of education with you.
  • Cooperate with your teacher and other students.
  • Participate in classroom activities/discussions.
  • Hand in completed assignments on time.
  • Know and follow the rules regarding cell phones.
  • Review class work outside of class.

Grading and Weights:

  • Classwork/Homework40%
  • Tests25%
  • Projects/Products20%
  • Six Weeks Test15%

Essays (in and outside class) will be considered “Tests” or “Projects/Products.” Vocabulary quizzes will be considered “Classwork.” Multiple-choice practice sets will be considered “Class work/ Homework.”

Make up work and late work will be accepted according to department standards (separate handout forthcoming).

Extra credit may be earned through attending tutoring sessions. Tutoring will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:05 to 5:05.

Ongoing Assignments:

Annotation

Note taking

AP Style Multiple Choice Questions

Reading Journal

Outside Reading

Sentence Composing

Rhetorical Examples

Timed Writings

Vocabulary

Grammar Lessons as required

Course Material (Subject to change as year progresses):

Summer ReadingHomer’s Iliad (Bks. I through XII). Hamilton’s Mythology

1st Six WeeksHomer’s Iliad, related shorter works.

2nd Six WeeksHomer’s Iliad; Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage; related “war” literature

3rd Six WeeksFaulkner’s The Unvanquished; excerpts from Jacobs’ Narrative of the Life of a Slave Girl; shorter works.

4th Six WeeksHomer’s Odyssey; “travel” literature

5th Six WeeksFrazier’s Cold Mountain; “travel” literature

6th Six WeeksChopin’s The Awakening; related shorter works.

I have read and understand the information provided in this syllabus.

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