Advanced Placement Language Course Syllabus
2016-2017
Ms. Melissa BowlingGreenup County High School
Phone:606.473.9812196 Musketeer Drive
E-mail: eenup, Kentucky 41144
Primary Text: The Language of LiteratureRoom 235
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Course Description: Advanced Placement English Language and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature and non-fiction texts. Through the close reading ofselected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language
to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. This course includes an intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit. The pieces chosen invite and reward re-reading and do not, like works in such popular genres as detective or romance fiction, yield all (or nearly all) of their pleasures of thought and feeling during an initial reading. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone.
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General Course Goals:
• Students will develop the ability to interpret a literary work – that is, to perceive it in an idea which one then proves by the use of compelling literary evidence. These ideas may be single, clear, and controversial but not necessarily definitive.
• Students will develop the ability to demonstrate knowledge of characters, action, structure, and language.
• Students will develop the ability to analyze figurative language such as imagery, symbolism, and tone in diverse literary works.
• Students will develop the ability to examine literary works in their proper historical contexts and draw connections to personal experiences.
• Students will compose and revise expository, analytical, and argumentative essays, focusing on the critical analysis of literature.
• Students will develop stylistic maturity in composition including the use of a wide-ranging vocabulary, varied sentence structure, and logical organization.
• Students will critically analyze poetry giving consideration to structure, style, and content.
• Students will successfully complete a research paper using proper technique and documentation.
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Classroom Novel List
The Great GatsbyThe MetamorphosisThe Things They Carried
Frankenstein1984As I Lay Dying
The Scarlet LetterLord of the FliesPride and Prejudice
The StrangerThe JungleA Separate Peace
The Kite RunnerBelovedSlaughterhouse-Five
A Thousand Splendid SunsCatcher in the RyeAnimal Farm
These texts are tentative and may change according to the class timetable. The majority of these texts will be read outside of class and followed by in-class discussion, reviews, and varying activities.
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Classroom Expectations
One of the main goals of my classroom is to provide a positive atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Each member of my class plays a vital role in the achievement of this goal. Mutual respect for one another must remain a priority.
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Grading Procedure and Assessment
Points will be given for work completed in-class and homework. The following ten point grading scale will be used for averaging grades:
90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D
0 – 59 = F
Quizzes and multiple forms of assessment will occur throughout a grading period. In addition, students will have unit assessments at the close of each grading quarter.
Course Units
The Anglo-Saxon Period
“The Coming of Grendel”
“The Burning of Beowulf’s Body”
Individual Illustrations
Open Response Questions
The Medieval Period
Geoffrey Chaucer
“The Prologue” The Canterbury Tales
“The Pardoner’s Tale”
“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
The Elizabethan Era
William Shakespeare
Macbeth
Tragic Hero Study
The Restoration Period
The Age of Pope and Johnson
Compose an Elegy
The Romantic Period
Poetry Interpretations
Individual Poetry Explication
Oral Presentations
The Twentieth Century
Prose and Poetry
“The Open Window”
Context Clues
“The Rocking Horse Winner”
Irony
Significance of Key Words
Poetry
Theme, Myth, Mood, Image, Symbolism
This is a tentative outline of course units for the school year and may be altered based on the course’s timetable. Please be aware that grammar activities will be incorporated throughout class studies on a regular basis. Additionally, to allow enhancement of studies and opportunities for personal choice in topic selection, a weekly article card must be submitted. Beyond this, students will practice and prepare continually for the taking of the Advanced Placement exam through the writing of multiple essays.
As this is an Advanced Placement course, students will be held to the highest level of expectation. From the reading of multiple novels to the completion of the research paper as a graduation requirement, students must remain both focused and diligent throughout the school year. This class is based upon rigor and studying the intricacies of literature. Each member of this class must hold him or herself to an extremely high standard and contribute to the learning environment.