Mrs. Shenitra Stokes-Dees
Advance Placement English Language and Composition
Conference Time: Tuesday-Thursday
Please call main office for an appointment
334.269.3714 (Main Office)
334-544-0159 (Student/Parent Line)
Feel free to text or email if in person conference is unavailable
AP English Language and Composition Course Objectives:
The purpose of this course is to help students “write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives” (College Board, AP English Course Description, 2010, p. 7). The course is organized according to the requirements and guidelines of the current AP English Course Description, and therefore, students are expected to read critically, think analytically, and communicate clearly both in writing and speech.
Grading System:
Most lessons begin with a warm-up or anticipatory task. Warm-ups focus on a grammatical or writing concept that connects to the day’s reading assignment. (Items for these mini-lessons are from PSAT/NMQT® practice test, SAT® preparation booklets,
Daily: Daily assignments consist of a variety of tasks. Some tasks involve individual steps leasing to a larger product while other daily tasks consist of grammatical reviews, vocabulary exercises, annotation of texts, dialectical text analysis, and fluency writing.
Quizzes: Quizzes are used to check for reading and understanding of a text. Each unit has a least one quiz on vocabulary from the readings. Also, each unit has at least one quiz on grammatical and mechanical concepts reviewed in daily tasks as well as from the discussions and/or annotations of syntax from the readings.
Essays: Most essays are first written in-class and graded as rough drafts. Rough drafts are self-edited and peer edited before students complete the final the final drafts. Final copies make up 30 percent of the nine weeks’ grade. Rough drafts and editing assignments are part of the daily work, which is 20 percent of the nine weeks’ grade. Students must submit all drafts with final copies. Graded final copies are kept in a portfolio that counts as part of the final exam grade for the semester.
Test: Most tests consist of multiple-choice questions based on rhetorical devices and each devices function in a given passage. Some passages are from texts read and studied in class, but some passages are from passages that students analyze for the first time.
Grading: This is a college level course, so grading is as follows:
100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70=C
69-60 = D
59-or lower = failing
Student grades are derived from the following three categories:
Major grades: 65% (e.g. unit tests, polished writings, major projects)
Minor grades: 35% (daily quizzes, homework, first drafts and in-class writings, class exercises, group assignments, etc.)
Advance Placement English Language and Composition 18
Chalkable Information NOW will assist with monitoring your student’s progress. Further information may be obtained through the Guidance Office. Please note that some assignments may require a longer grading period; however, all grades will be entered weekly.
NOTE: “Extra credit” or “extra time” is not allowed in the AP class. The due dates for assignments will be posted with advanced notice, and students are expected to turn assignments in promptly.
**I am at school most afternoons. Students who have additional questions about an assignment are always free to stop by for extra help. If you plan to stay for extensive tutoring, please notify me in advance.
Course Organization
This course is organized by themes. (See syllabus)
Each unit requires students to acquire and use rich vocabulary, to use standard English grammar, and to understand the importance of diction and syntax in an author’s style. Therefore, students are expected to develop the following through reading, discussion, and writing assignments:
· a wide-ranging vocabulary used appropriately and effectively;
· a variety of sentence structure, including appropriate use of subordination and coordination;
· logical organization, enhanced by specific techniques to increase coherence, such as repetition, transitions, and emphasis;
· a balance of generalization and specific illustrative detail, and
· an effective use of rhetoric, including controlling tone, establishing and maintaining voice, and achieving appropriate emphasis through diction and sentence structure (College Board, AP English Course Description, 2010, p. 9)
For each reading assignment students must identify the following:
· thesis or claim, tone or attitude, and purpose
· audience or occasion and evidence or data
· appeals: logos, ethos, pathos and assumptions or warrants
· style (how the author communicates his or her message-rhetorical mode and rhetorical devices including diction and syntax
· organizational patterns found in the text (i.e. main idea detail, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, extended definition, problem/solution, etc.)
· use of detail to develop a general idea
Areas of Study and Texts
1. Literature— Students will read numerous selections throughout the course. However, the primary focus will be on non-fiction pieces (essays, speeches, etc.). Selections from the adopted texts will be studied as well as other selections that focus on the various literary movements such as America: Colonialism, Classicism, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Local Color/Regionalism, Modernism, etc. The following novels and plays along with selected non-fiction anthology may also be read throughout the course: The Crucible (Miller), The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald), and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Wilson), and The Awakening (Chopin).
2. Writing—Students will study and practice the following modes of writing: narration, description, exposition, argumentation, rhetorical analysis and synthesis. They will also strive to improve authentic voice, expand stylistic techniques, and refine grammatical and mechanical skills. Please note, a majority of the AP Language & Composition curriculum will focus on improving student writing. Students will complete a minimum of four major writing assignments, which include the full writing process: prewriting, researching, drafting, and revising and editing. Additionally, students will compose weekly responses to literature, maintain a daily journal, and complete weekend writing assignments.
· Timed Essays: All in-class essays and timed writings will be AP format. Students will be expected to make progress in completing compositions in allotted time All grades will follow the numerical 1-9 format based on a generic AP rubric (see Yellow Pages).
· Grammar and Usage: As a junior in an AP English Language and Composition course, you should have a good command of Standard Written English. There will be mini-lessons throughout the course dealing with complex grammar and usage issues, sentence constructions, and diction. If additional help is required, please speak with me about outside resources, including online sources, after school tutoring, peer mentors, etc.
· Vocabulary—Students will study vocabulary in context of reading in preparation for the SAT, ACT, and AP assessments. Additionally, students will explore various rhetorical definitions frequently used on the AP exam. Students should be prepared to complete tests, quizzes, and writing samples that demonstrate their comprehension of the assigned vocabulary.
3. Shared Inquiry Discussions- This course is taught primarily in a seminar format that we refer to as the “round table.” This allusion refers to the legendary King Arthur’s round table, where all men were considered equal. In the same spirit, we consider all ideas, opinions, and reactions of equal importance when we discuss and analyze a text. All students are expected to actively participate, share from journal responses, notes, and text annotations.
4. Writer’s Workshop- One of the most important aspects of this course is the emphasis on writing and revision. Writer’s workshop is a session that focuses on some aspect of composition, which includes small group discussion, peer evaluations, and instructor evaluation. While many workshops will be scheduled for class time, the teacher will provide additional after school workshops for students who seek assistance or wish to receive feedback with their work. Writer’s workshop activities will also include work with voice, style, syntax, and other strategies and techniques that will lead to greater stylistic maturity in composition.
AP Required Materials
AP Student Binder
The binder should be organized into the following sections with labeled dividers
· AP test
· Vocabulary
· Reading response
· Writing in progress
Advance Placement English Language and Composition 18
Required material:
· 1 ½ to 3 inch binder with plastic over
· Binder dividers with pockets
· Blue or black ink pens/ No. 2 pencils with erasers
· Index cards
· Post-It or sticky notes (color is possible)
· One packet of white copy paper
· Highlighters (blue, yellow, green,)
· Flash/jump drive
Advance Placement English Language and Composition 18
Classroom Materials (not required, but greatly appreciated)
· Kleneex or facial tissue
· Hand sanitizer
· Hand soap
· Band Aids
· Disinfecting wipes
Important Policies and Procedures
Students are expected to arrive to class on time with all required materials and be ready to begin as soon as the tardy bell sounds. At the start of class, students will copy the homework assignment into their planners, take out the materials necessary for the day, and complete the bell work/ journal activity.
Attendance/ Tardy Policy: Attendance and punctuality are necessary for success in this course. If you are not present, you are missing the lesson and knowledge needed to continuously build upon for understanding and comprehension. A student who wishes to be successful in AP English must be present. Please do not schedule appointments, vacations, field trips, school events or other activities during English class time.
Absence: Missed assignments must be completed on a timely basis. I strictly follow the MPS guidelines, which require students to make up work within 3 school days. Students are responsible for gathering make-up work following absences and scheduling a time for making up tests. Worksheets may be found in a designated location in the classroom. I also recommend exchanging phone numbers with a classmate to contact after school hours.
· If a student must be absent due to mandatory school- appointed trips (field trips, musical performances, or athletic events), he or she is required to get his/her homework the day before missing class.
· Students who are absent due to illness are expected to meet with teachers before school on the day they return.
· Due dates for long term assignments and group assignments will not change because a student is absent.
· Students in In-School Suspension are present and are required to turn in their assignments on time. Failure to do so will result in a 20% late work deduction.
Tardiness: Tardiness will not be tolerated. Students will not be admitted late to class without a pass from another teacher. Please refer to the student code of conduct for the school-wide tardy policy and a list of consequences related to unexcused absences and excessive tardiness.
Late work: As an AP student, late work will not be tolerated. If a student does not submit his/her assignments on the scheduled due date, a letter grade will be deducted each day the assignment is turned in late. In accordance with MPS policy, late work will not be accepted after the third day. Note: Missing assignments will be marked as 0’s in INOW until the student submits his/her work.
After three days, the zero will remain in the grade book.
Electronics Policy: Students will be allowed to bring laptops, tablets, e-readers, smart phones, etc. into the classroom for research. Please note, all devices must be first registered with the school. With this privilege comes responsibility. Any and all electronic devices may only be used in the classroom with specific permission from the teacher. Violation of this policy results in student office referral, Class A Offense.
Food& Drink: Food is not allowed in the classroom. Students may drink water or sodas from the school vending machine. Outside beverages are not allowed.
Uniform Policy: Students are expected to comply with the uniform guidelines found in the Student Handbook. If a student is in violation of the uniform dress code, he/she will be referred to the office and will not be admitted into the classroom.
Plagiarism/ Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism is claiming another person’s work and presenting it as your own. This includes copying answers on homework assignments, copying from websites without proper citations, buying or copying internet papers, directly copying sources from the web, allowing friends to write your paper, copying directly from texts without proper citations, etc. Plagiarism is considered cheating and stealing. Neither will be tolerated in this class. If a student is caught participating in academic dishonesty, he/she will be referred to the administration. The student code of conduct will be enforced at all times.
Policy Infractions: I adopt the school-wide discipline plan. If the above policies/procedures are broken, students will be immediately asked to do one of the followed:
1. Step One: Written Warning/ Student’s Name Placed in Discipline Log. Additionally, student will be required to complete a discipline essay to be signed by parents.
2. Step Two: Sign Log, Parent Phone Call
3. Step Three: Sign Log, Parent Conference
4. Step Four: Administration Contacted
Please note: in extreme circumstances, if a student is posing any threat to his/her peers, the teacher, or the individual, the teacher may immediately contact the administration for support.
“Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.”- Harry Day
Syllabus: English III AP
Outline of the Year
Introduction: AP English Course Description, Class Rules and Responsibilities, Grading System, Rhetorical Terms (Definitions), Rhetorical Modes, Rhetorical Devices
Close Reading:
· “What is Rhetoric?” (handout)
· Staple, Brent, “Black Men and Public Spaces”
· Alder, Mortimer J. and Van Doren, Charles, “How To Read A Book”
· Cofer, Judith Ortiz, “The Myth of the Latin woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria”
· Plato, “Allegory of the Cave” from The Republic (Levels of Reading)
AP Multiple Choice Passage 1
Viewing:
Company Logo Analysis
Assessments:
· Quizzes: Selection check
· Quiz: Vocabulary from readings
· Quiz: Grammar (Grammar (from warm-up, syntax discussions, and/or reading annotations)
· Test: Practice AP Multiple Choice Exam, Definitions of rhetorical mode and devices