AP English 12 (Literature and Composition)Edmodo code:
Julie CulpepperNoredink code:
0Turnitin code:
(256) 428-8050, Ext. 225
Course Description and Objectives:
AP English 12 focuses on language art skills and world literature. Students will learn to read critically, to appreciate the craft and structure of what they read, to write clearly and coherently, to lead discussion of literary works, and to collaborate effectively with their peers. Frequent timed writing of critical/ analytical essays is a vital part of the course. Students are required to take the AP Literature and Composition exam in May. If they score a 3, 4, or 5, they may receive college credit and/or qualify for advanced standing upon entering college.
On a personal note, as your senior English teacher, I will do all I can to prepare you for the next step in your lives. For many of you, that will be college, but no matter what your future plans, I hope that my class will help you see the importance of taking responsibility for the choices that you make.
Expectations:
- Be on time.
Class starts when the bell rings. Work (including quizzes and tests) missed because of unexcused tardiness or absences will be considered late and points will be deducted.
- Come to class prepared.
I will give you a day-by-day syllabus at the beginning of each semester. Keep it in your notebook, and look at it daily!
Bring a pencil/ pen as well as your binder for note taking/ handouts.
Keep a separate “Poetry” section in your binder.
Bring your charged laptop.
You’ll need highlighters: yellow, green, blue, pink and orange
You will NOT need your cell phone or earbuds in class. Beginning Monday, August 8th, please put your cell phone in your assigned slot at the front of the class. You may pick it up as you leave class.
Check Edmodo every single day. All homework and major assignments will be posted there. In addition, I often send reminders. Don’t be a dodo! Check Edmodo!!
- Do your own work.
Don’t take shortcuts. Do your best and learn to trust your ability to analyze. The better able you are to read critically, the easier everything becomes, but becoming a good reader takes practice. Do the work.
- Treat me and each other with respect.
Absences:
Students are expected to procure make-up work, classwork, and notes when absent. Make-up work should be completed as soon as possible. If you come to school at all the day that something is due, be sure to turn it in, even if you check in or out and miss my class; otherwise, the assignment will be considered late.
Grades:
Grades are determined based on the following procedures:
- 60% Summative Assessments
This includes writing assignments (poetry responses, some essays, etc.), tests, and projects.
- 40% Formative Assessments and Assignments
This includes the summer reading project, in-class work (group work, quizzes, multiple choice, and some essays), and homework (short story assignments, noredink and other homework assignments).
The grading scale for Huntsville City Schools is 90-100 A; 80-89 B; 70-79 C; 60-69 D; below 60 F.
If a student does not complete an assignment, a grade of “1” will be used as a placeholder in iNOW.
For work turned in late, the following percentages reflect the highest possible grade that may be earned. Because of the pace of the class, I may not be able to accept late assignments. Sometimes an alternate assignment may be given.
1 day late = 70%6 days late = 45%
2 days late = 65 %7 days late = 40 %
3 days late = 60 %8 days late = 35 %
4 days late = 55 %9 days late = 30 %
5 days late = 50 %10 days late = 1
Academic Integrity
“We will do a variety of individual and group activities, and I will be very clear when ideas are to be individual vs. shared. It is NEVER acceptable to copy someone else’s work to hand in as your own. Even in groups, you must do your part to receive any credit. I will also be very clear when it is acceptable to look up ideas from the internet (and I will teach you how to document researched information) and when your writing must come exclusively from your own ideas. It is NEVER acceptable to copy from the internet and hand this in as your own work, even if you put the information into your own words. You must bring your own ideas to the table in EVERY assignment. Cheating will result in a zero for the assignment. You will also be posting writing assignments to Turnitin.com, a plagiarism checker” (borrowed from Amy Bishop, HHS English teacher, August 2016).
Extra Help:
I am available by appointment before or after school to help anyone who is having difficulty in my class. If you’d like to drop by without an appointment, I am usually in or around my room after school until at least 4:00. In addition, I will be happy to talk to or meet with your parents at any time.
1st Semester Topics:
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
The Stranger by Albert Camus
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
2nd Semester Topics (TBA, but they will include):
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Othello by William Shakespeare
Students will write bi-weekly poetry responses and approximately 3 essays each nine weeks. In addition, several times throughout the year, students will work with one or two partners to lead discussion on a piece of literature. Participating in class discussion is also expected; occasionally, discussions will be scored.
A day-by-day syllabus for first semester begins on the next page.
AP English 12
Culpepper
5th and 7th periods
1st Semester Syllabus
Fall 2016
So much great literature, so little time! I have spent many hours this summer trying to come up with a manageable plan for this semester. We will scratch the surface of some of the world’s greatest works and write about them in a variety of ways. The literary choices should both help us to define ourselves and force us to question our assumptions about ourselves. They should be broad enough to allow us to see our place in the world and limited enough to afford us focus. They should provide us with vicarious experiences appropriate enough that when we are faced with the questions that people have always faced, we can say, “This has happened before. Oedipus, also, reached too high; he, too, found painful truth.” And they should teach the joy of a well-spoken word.
Besides all this, we will learn the language of criticism, discover ways to talk about literature, and prepare for a national exam. I’ll do all I can to get you ready without your even knowing it!
Here are some things you need to do: Read the material. Class discussion will be richer for you if you know what we are talking about. The assigned material should be read before you come to class. When, for example the syllabus says, “Oedipus Rex due,” you should have the entire play read (carefully) when you come to class that day. The reading is spaced so that there is time to get through it if you plan ahead and use your time wisely. Don’t just turn the pages; read for understanding. You will be tested before discussion, and you will write an essay after discussion. I may also give homework assignments that are not listed on the syllabus. Always be prepared. Follow the syllabus AND check Edmodo every single day. You may miss days, but class will go on even when you are not here. The syllabus to tailor it to our needs. These changes may include additions or subtractions from it. I post frequent reminders/ updates on Edmodo. Participate in class. Many discussions will be student-led, but daily participation is also required. The more you put into this class, the more you will get out of it. Come to class, come to class ON TIME, and come to class prepared (with necessary book[s], charged computer, paper, pencil, pen). I want you to realize how important your attendance is to the success of this class. Many days you will be in charge. Not showing up on these days is not an option. Do everything in your power to be present on the day of a test; make-up tests are much more difficult than the original tests.
I’m really excited about our year together. Know that I am glad to help you in any way that I can.
Major Works for 1st semester:
*Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
The Stranger by Albert Camus
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (to read over Christmas break)
*This was a summer reading book, so you should already have a copy. In a few weeks, I’ll order copies of the other major works for those who need them.
August 3First-day-of-school chaos. Syllabus for 1st semester. Summer reading project on Seraphina, 20 Thousand Leagues under the Sea, The Physics of Super Heroes, OR Fly Girl due August 31st. By August 15th, you need to decide which book you will be using and whether you will be working in a group or by yourself on your project. There will be a very specific test on Life of Pi on August 24th. Advice from former AP students, AP vocabulary for 1st nine weeks. Discuss the Behavorial Learning Guide.
August 4TED talk—the importance of showing up. Explanation of one-page writing assignment—due Tuesday, August 9th. Must be typed, double-spaced, printed out, and turned in to my basket by beginning of class. Discuss the importance of doing your own work. Join noredink—1st assignment (“Embedding Quotations”) due by 11:00 pm August 10th. (It’s a great idea to click on “Lessons,” then scroll down to “Embedding Quotations” and review the rules for embedding quotations before beginning the assignment. The more you know, the fewer exercises you will have to do!)
August 5Test on BLG. Visual images: moving from observation to analysis. Connecting device to meaning: clip from Wit.
August 8“What is Poetry?”/ “The Secret,” “This is just to say.”Small group work on poems.
August 9One-page writing assignment due. Sample responses, AP Poetry Assignment, TP-FASTT, SOAPSTone. First official poetry response* on “The Writer” OR “The Lanyard” due by Friday at the beginning of class.
*IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT POETRY RESPONSES:
No outside sources (except a dictionary) are allowed—this includes input from classmates, siblings, parents, former students, etc. Place responses in the basket on my desk or turn in via Turnitin.com NO LATER than the beginning of class on the day they are due. I will always accept responses early, but responses turned in after the beginning of class will not receive full credit.
August 10Quiz on words 1-10.Noredink assignment due by 11:00 tonight! Literary Terms (many will be familiar to you; start learning terms that are not familiar—you’ll have a major test on Sept. 15th, but more importantly, your ability to talk/write about literature requires your understanding of these terms.) “The Red Wheelbarrow.”
August 11More on “The Red Wheelbarrow.”Noredink assignment #2 (“Active and Passive Voice”)
due by 11:00 p.m. August 17th. (It’s a great idea to click on “Lessons,” then scroll down to “Active and Passive Voice” and review the rules before beginning the assignment. The more you know, the fewer exercises you will have to do!)
August 12PR #1 due (“The Writer”/ “The Lanyard”). New poems: “Acquainted with the Night” and “My First Poem for You.” Close reading: “The Chaser.” Levels of questions. Group work.
August 15SR Project plan (which book? Alone or with partner[s]?) due.Group work:Identifying theme. SS assignment on “The Prodigal Son” due Thursday, August 18th.
August 16Notes on sonnets. Info on asking for recommendations, writing college application essays. Discuss one-page “self” papers. By Monday, August 29th, choose a college application essay topic from a school of your choice (or use one of the common app topics) and answer it in a well-written essay. Include the essay topic/ question at the top of page and the word count at the end. Turn a printed copy into my basket by the beginning of class.
August 17Xword on 1-10.Noredink assignment on Active and Passive Voice is due by 11:00
tonight! Discussion leader assignments.
August 18SS assignment on “The Prodigal Son” due by beginning of class.Discussion of “The Author to her Book.” Mapping out the poetry essay.
August 19More on how to approach the poetry essay. Small group work.Noredink assignment on
“Identifying Sentences and Fragments” due by August 25th at 11 p.m. (It’s a great idea to click on “Lessons,” then scroll down to “Identifying Sentences and Fragments” and review the rules for embedding quotations before beginning the assignment. The more you know, the fewer exercises you will have to do!)
August 22Discussion of “The Prodigal Son” (the importance of close reading, seeing familiar stories with fresh eyes.)
August 23In-class poetry essay.
August 24Quiz on words 11-20. Test on Life of Pi. TED Talk—think about the different
ways it relates to Martel’s novel.
August 25Noredink assignment on Identifying Sentences and Fragments is due by 11:00 tonight! Teacher-led discussion of “The Writer” and “The Lanyard.”
August 26PR #2 due (“Acquainted with the Night”/ “My First Poem for You”). Intro to
novel. Assign discussion questions—due by Tuesday, August 30th at the beginning of class. Group work.
August 29College application essay due by beginning of class. Group work.
August 30Life of Pi discussion questions due. Explanation of scored discussion.
August 31Xword on 11-20. Summer Reading project due. Life of Pi discussion.
September 1Scored discussion continued.
September 2Video: Life of Pi.
September 5Labor Day Holiday—No school
September 6Final discussion of Life of Pi. SS assignment on “The Story of an Hour” due
Monday, September 12.
September 7Quiz on 21-30. In-class work on Life of Pi essay.
September 8Student-led discussion of “Acquainted with the Night” and “My First Poem for You”
September 9PR #3 due (“Bright Star”/ “What Lips”). In-class essay on Life of Pi.
September 12SS assignment on “The Story of an Hour” due. Catch up day.
September 13Discussion of “The Story of an Hour.”
September 14Xword on 21-30. Theme/ The Literary 3 x 3.
September 15Test on literary terms.
September 16Notes on the origin of drama.
September 19Sonnet assignment—due Wednesday, September 28th. Multiple choice work on
sonnets.
September 20Test on Oedipus the King. Group work.
September 21Vocabulary test on words 1-30. Oedipus the King.
September 22PR #4 due (“Icarus”/ “To a Friend”). Student-led discussion of “Bright Star” and “What Lips”
September 23 ½ day for students.
September 26Oedipus the King.
September 27Oedipus the King.
September 28Sonnet (including scansion + self-evaluation) due. Assign vocabulary for 2nd nine weeks. Oedipus the King.
September 29Intro to Song of Solomon. Interview with Toni Morrison. Be sure to have read
through Part 1 (Chapters 1-9) of novel and be ready for very specific test on October 12th.
September 30New requirement for poetry responses: Poetry focus statements
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October 3-7 Fall Break
October 10Multiple choice: Poetry + hints.
October 11Multiple choice: Prose + hints.
October 12Quiz on words 1-10.Test on Part I (Chapters 1-9) of Song of Solomon.
October 13Student-led discussion of “Icarus” and “To a Friend”
October 14PR #5 due (“Do Not Go Gentle”/ “One Art”). Group work on Song.
October 17Scored discussion of Song, Part I.
October 18More Song
October 19Xword on 1-10. Test on Part II (Chapters 10-15).
October 20Test on Part II (Chapters 10-15).
October 21Group work on Song.
October 24Scored discussion of Song of Solomon.
October 25Final discussion of Song. SS assignment on “Hills” due Monday, October 31st.
October 26½ day for students. Multiple choice practice.
October 27In-class essay on Song of Solomon.
October 28PR #6 due (“Death of the Ball Turret Gunner”/ “Traveling through the Dark”)
Student-led discussion of “Do Not Go Gentle” and “One Art”
October 31SS assignment on “Hills” due. Villanelle assignment—due Wednesday, November 9th. (Discuss “Lonely Hearts”.) Read “The Myth of Sisyphus” carefully several times by Thursday.
November 1Discussion of “Hills like White Elephants.”
November 2Quiz on words 11-20.Discussion of “Porphyria’s Lover.”
November 3Test on The Stranger. Notes on Existentialism.
November 4Group work on “The Myth of Sisyphus.”
November 7The Stranger. Video: “Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?”
November 8The Stranger
November 9Xword on 11-20. Villanelle (including scansion + self-evaluation) due.
November 10PR #7 due (“Gretel in Darkness”/ “Mirror”). Student-led discussion of “Death of
the Ball Turret Gunner” and “Traveling through the Dark”
November 11Veterans Day Holiday—No school
November 14The Stranger
November 15The Stranger
November 16Quiz on words 21-30.The Stranger
November 17In-class work on planning the prose essay.
November 18In-class essay on a prose passage.
November 21-25Thanksgiving Holiday
November 28Introduction to A Streetcar Named Desire. Video
November 29Video: Streetcar.
November 30Xword on 21-30. Video.
December 1Student-led discussion of “Gretel in Darkness” and “Mirror”
December 2PR #8 due (“Mid-term Break”/ “Ethics”). Test: Streetcar
December 5Streetcar
December 6Streetcar. Preparing for the open essay.
December 7Vocabulary test on words 1-30. Streetcar
December 8Streetcar
December 9In-class essay on A Streetcar Named Desire.
December 12Student-led discussion of “Mid-term Break”and “Ethics”
December 131st and 2nd period exams
December 143rd and 4th period exams
December 155th and 6th period exams
December 167th period exam