2015-16 Syllabus

AP English Literature and Composition Teacher: Ms. Mary Fye

This is an overview of our year. You will receive more detailed reading schedules for each novel we study.

Week of / Shorter Works / Reading Homework
Aug 12 / The Basics
AP Lit exam format / How to Read Literature Like a Professor
Aug 17 / Introduction to Short Stories (Prose)
Aug 24 / Plot Structure, Conflict, and Setting
Aug 31 / Characterization
Sep 7 / Point of View
Sep 14 / Symbol, Allegory
Sep 21 / Irony/Southern Gothic / Kite Runner
Sep 28 / Fall Break
Oct. 5 / Bizarro Fiction
Oct 12 / Humor
Oct 19 / Kite Runner Discussion
Oct 26 / Writing the Q3
Nov 2 / Intro to Poetry / Independent
Reading 1: 19th Century Novel Groups
Nov 9
Nov 16
Nov 23
Nov 30
Dec 7
Dec 14
Jan 4 / Shakespeare and Tragedy / Independent
Reading 2:
Q3 List
Jan 11 / Shakespeare: King Lear
Jan 18 / Shakespeare: King Lear
Jan 25 / Shakespeare: King Lear
Feb 1 / Poetry Survey
Feb 8 / Poetry Survey / Poetry Project
Feb 15 / Poetry Survey
Feb 22 / Poetry Survey
Feb 29 / Poetry Survey
Mar 7 / Heart of Darkness / Heart of Darkness
Mar 14 / Heart of Darkness
Mar 21 / Heart of Darkness
Mar 28 / Heart of Darkness
Apr. 4 / Spring Break / Re-Read
Review
Apr 11 / Review
Apr 18 / Review
Apr 25 / Review for AP Exam
May 2 / Review for AP Exam
Exam is May 4
May 9-End / Critical Skills

Required Materials

·  2” Binder – for this class only – We do not have a textbook, so I will be giving you numerous handouts. We will keep all materials in this binder and refer to them throughout the year.

·  Binder grades will be taken periodically – in a random fashion.

·  Plenty of Loose-leaf paper

·  Pens AND pencils

·  Supplies for Classroom: Kleenex – one box or so

The AP Literature Exam

The AP Exam in English Literature and Composition is a 3-hour exam that assess your ability to read and write well.

Section I: Multiple Choice

60 minutes/45% AP score

50-60 questions over prose and poetry passages

Section II: 3 Essays

120 minutes long/55% AP score

Prose Passage Essay

Poetry Essay

Longer Work Essay

Grading Policy

90% Assessments: AP-style essays, multiple choice exams, reading tests/quizzes

10% Assignments: Misc. Assignment, including Random Binder Checks

Class Expectations

·  Come to class prepared with the appropriate materials.

·  Late work is NOT accepted.

·  If you are absent, please follow the guidelines in your agenda. All make-up tests and quizzes will be administered before or after school.

·  Be in class every day and on time. It really is not a good idea to miss any class, but especially AP class on block. If you have had an attendance problem in the past, you probably should not be taking this class. If you do miss with an excused absence, it is entirely your responsibility to get the work you missed. When the tardy bell rings, you will be counted tardy. Teachers and administrators are the only people who can excuse a tardy.

·  Plagiarism and/or cheating will result in a 0 on the assignment or assessment. Your parents’/guardians will also be notified.

·  Class participation is extremely important. Being prepared for class also means participating in class discussions. Many class discussions will be graded activities.