AP Language and Composition Syllabus 2015-2016

Advanced Placement English Language

Mrs. Cales  #119

ccales@alverno-hs.org

This full-year course focuses on major works of British and Classical literature that the student will analyze, imitate, illustrate, compare, interpret, criticize and research.

Combined with this traditional study of literature is an in-depth preparation for the Advanced Placement Language Exam that takes place in May of 2016.

This additional material will allow the student to practice timed multiple-choice tests on close reading as well as to respond to prompts concerning various works of literature and nonfiction.

In both cases originality of ideas, facility with discovering and employing rhetorical strategies and the ability to read with concentration are encouraged.

The student will be able to:

1. create an original thesis which she must support in a three-element essay by analyzing the literature studied in class.
2. analyze a poem, short story, play, novel and non-fiction essay for literary devices, rhetorical strategies and characteristics unique to each genre.
3. define and use new vocabulary words and literary terms in sentences and/or drawn illustrations.
4. identify the major cultural/political events influencing the literature studied.
5. discuss current political/cultural issues orally and in writing.
6. deliver a persuasive speech and participate in class discussions regularly.
7. write an original story, poem, critical research paper, personal essay and creative project based on the class literature.
8. participate in work involving groups such as peer editing, illustrating and play writing.
9. use inclusive language correctly as well as critique sexism and gender bias in media.
10. demonstrate an understanding of the content and purpose of myth and classical fairy tales.
11. within a limited period of time write a coherent and technically correct personal/persuasive and/or literary essay in response to a prompt.
12. pass a multiple-choice test based on close reading.
13. compare works of literature to each other and to film and/or theatrical versions.
14. follow literary theme and style as they develop from earliest literature.
15. exhibit an understanding of the structure and scoring of the AP Language exam.
16. perform to the best of her ability in the Advanced Placement Exam.

Books Needed:

5 Steps to a 5, MLA, Canterbury Tales, Jane Eyre, Macbeth, British Poets, Oedipus, Bedford Reader, Metamorphosis, Jekyll and Hyde, Vocab F

Other  Materials:

. One notebook with dividers

. Blue or black pens and highlighters

. Number two pencils

. One journal

Grading

Approximate Relative Weight:

. 10% Participation and Project

. 15 % Quizzes

. 15 % Homework

. 20 % Exams

. 20% Papers

. 20 % Final

  

Alverno Grading Scale

94-100 = A                                  73-76 = C

90-93   = A-                                70-72 = C-

87-89   = B+                                67-69 = D

83-86   = B                                  63-66 = D-

80-82   = B-                                 60-62 = D-

77-79   = C+                                0-59 = F

Alverno Honor Code: Any plagiarism or cheating on homework, quizzes, tests or essays will result in an automatic “0” on the assignment and referral to the Dean for action.

Late work:  NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.  It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher on the day she returns to class in order to schedule a time to makeup a missed exam, NOT missed homework. If a makeup is not scheduled at this time, the student will receive a (O) for that test.

Absences: It is your responsibility to obtain missed assignments/lecture notes from one of your phone buddies or log onto Alverno homework website.

Tardy Policy: For every two tardies, a fifteen minute "teacher assistant" service will be required. This usually will take place during the student’s lunch hour.

Information regarding assignments

. All assignments will be typed unless otherwise instructed.

. Assignments are always due at the beginning of class.

British Literature -Student/Parent contract

I (Print student name) _____________________________________________ have read and understand the policies and expectations of Mrs. Cales’ class. By signing this contract I agree to fulfill these requirements to the best of my ability.

Student Signature__________________________    Date_________________________

I (print parent /guardian name) have read and understand the policies and expectations set forth in this syllabus. By signing this contract, I agree that my student (print name of Alverno student) ______________________________________ is to fulfill the requirements of Mrs. Cales’ class.

Parent/Guardian Signature____________________   Date_________________________