E2300 AP Language and Composition 2017-2018
Mr. O’Connor
Course Description and Expectations
1. Course Description
AP Language and Composition is a course focused on the intensive study of language and argument. More so than any other class offered at the high school level, AP Language will challenge students to engage in the writing process and develop a strong, independent voice. Unlike the English classes you’ve taken in high school thus far, AP Language does not emphasize literature. Instead, we will examine essays, narrative nonfiction, speeches, and other texts with the goal of understanding how a writer’s use of language, rhetoric, and deliberate structure all support his or her central message. Students will apply this growing understanding in their own writing, and over the course of the year we will compose rhetorical analyses, argumentative essays, and research papers that address the issues and challenges that define the world today.
2. Core Objectives - Students will be able to . . .
· analyze and develop an idea in writing with attention to structure, style, and audience.
· apply language conventions appropriately in a variety of contexts and situations
· critically examine their own ideas and the ideas of others to arrive at sound conclusions supported by evidence and reasoning
· develop a theory of language that embodies writing as both a process and a field of study
· examine language and literacy as a means to understanding identity and ideology
3. General Expectations
Attendance and Punctuality
Please arrive to class on time with everything you need to participate. If you must be late to class, bring a pass from your teacher excusing your tardiness. Regular attendance is vital to your success; refer the student handbook for details on the enforced attendance policy. Please note that the school’s policy on attendance and tardiness has changed for this academic year; excessive absences or tardiness may jeopardize the student’s ability to earn course credit.
If you miss class, it is your responsibility to meet with me to arrange for make-up work. Any work that was due on the day of the absence is not considered make-up work and must be turned in the day the student returns. Likewise, a brief absence will not excuse a long-term deadline.
If you are absent on the day of a quiz or test, you will be responsible for making up the assessment on the FIRST day you return to school. You must make arrangements to make up the work in class or after school. Failure to do so will result in a reduced grade or a zero! If you are absent from my class on the day of an assignment but are present in school that day, you must see me THE SAME day to make arrangements.
Start of Class
When you arrive to class, you should sit in their seat and take out any homework or materials we will be working with that day. If an assignment is posted on the board, you should begin working on the assignment. Otherwise, you should review notes, vocabulary, and the previous night’s homework assignment.
Cell Phones and Electronics
Please power down all cell phones and remove headphones before arriving to class. Upon arrival, place your cell-phone in your designated slot on the cell-phone holder.
We’ll frequently use laptops in class for writing, group projects, and presentations; when we are using technology in class, you’re welcome to bring your own laptop or tablet if you’d prefer to use it. Please note that use of your own device is governed by the district’s BYOD policy, and you are responsible for being familiar with the policy and for the security and safety of your device.
Bathroom Breaks and Classroom Interruptions
Make the effort to use the bathroom between classes. Please minimize disruptions to class if you must use the bathroom or sharpen a pencil by waiting for a suitable transition or independent activity. Sign out on your way out and upon your return to class. Students who leave class frequently or for extended periods of time may be asked to stop leaving during class.
Academic Honesty and Integrity
Cheating, copying, and plagiarism undermine the value of an assignment, erode trust, and carry severe consequences. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the school’s policy on cheating (page 41 in the student handbook), as it will be strictly enforced in this course. Any student found guilty of cheating or plagiarism will receive a zero for the assignment.
For clarification, the student handbook defines plagiarism as the use “of anyone else's words or ideas without documentation for written projects/research reports.” Unless otherwise specified in the assignment description, students are NOT to refer to outside sources on essays for this class. Any information gained from such a source does not reflect the student’s original thoughts and ideas, and even “inadvertent” plagiarism will be penalized.
Class Cuts
As per school policy, any student who cuts a class will receive a zero for any missed work, including quizzes and tests.
The AP Exam
This class is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam, and as such I expect that students taking the class also take the exam on May 16, 2017. If the exam fee will be an undue burden, speak with your guidance counselor.
4. Evaluation
Due to the structure of the course, exact grade weights will vary from term to term. The following breakdown for term 1 should give you a general idea of what to expect; I’ll update you at the beginning of each term with a specific breakdown:
Composition: 35%
Tests and Quizzes: 50%
Homework and Classwork: 15%
Homework and Classwork
Expect about 40 minutes of homework per night. You will generally have several days’ notice on upcoming assignments so that you can responsibly manage your time. As this is an AP-level class, homework will not be regularly checked or collected for credit. You are responsible for remaining attentive to deadlines and completing all work thoroughly and accurately. Since homework will not be collected regularly, the impact of missing an assignment could be significant.
Homework must be completed on time, and that means at the beginning of the class period on the day it is due. Since homework is designed to have you practice skills or prepare for the day’s activities, late homework won’t be accepted for credit. Likewise, if you are unprepared for a writing conference or class editing activity, you will lose your opportunity to receive feedback on your work.
Tests and Quizzes
This category includes vocabulary tests, in-class writing assignments, and other significant assignments that do not fall under the “Composition” category.
Composition
Major writing assignments will have detailed assessment criteria provided in advance of the assignment; they will generally be graded on a combination of content, style, and grammar.
Writing is a process, and we will frequently engage in drafting, editing, and revision. Your willingness to accept constructive criticism, explore new ideas, and rework your assignments will help you grow as a writer and develop a unique and strong voice. When a draft is assigned a due date, it is understood to mean 100% of the length of the final assignment. You will receive reduced credit for a partial draft.
Deadlines for major papers and projects are firm. Final copies are to be brought to class in hard copy (unless otherwise instructed) on the day and period due. You will not be permitted to print or staple an assignment at the beginning of class. There will be a 10% deduction for each day a paper is late.
As deadlines for major assignments are given well in advance, students are expected to turn the assignment in on the day it is due, even in the case of absence on the due date. It is the student’s responsibility to email the assignment as a Word attachment by 2:15 pm. Assignments that are not received by 2:15 or do not open will be considered late.
5. Technology
There are three websites you’ll want to familiarize yourself with early on that we’ll work with over the course of the year:
1) room103.net—Our class website, which contains our discussion board, course materials, and useful links.
2) Office 365—You can access Office 365 by navigating to “portal.office.com” and signing in with your KP username and password. While you don’t necessarily need to use Office 365 for your actual composing process, you will at times be required to upload and share work using the software.
3) Turnitin—All major assignments will be submitted through Turnitin. Register for an account with an email address you won’t lose (I’d recommend your Office 365 account). You can join our class with the following credentials:
Class ID: 16142885
Password: room103
6. Suggested Materials
· Since you will be provided with many supplemental handouts, assignments, and activities, a three-ring binder is recommended for this class. It should be divided into four clearly-marked sections: Reference/Notes, Writing, Vocabulary, and Grammar. I suggest keeping spare lined paper in the back of your binder.
· A USB flash-drive
· Come prepared with reliable pens (blue or black), pencils, and a highlighter.
· If you are unable to obtain the required materials for any reason, please let me know.
7. Contact and Support
If you need extra help or just want a place to do homework before a sport or activity, I will be available in Room 103 from 2:15 -3:15 on Wednesdays and by appointment. Please try to let me know ahead of time if you’ll be stopping by.
You may also email me at . Please allow 24 hours for a response.
I have received and read the Course Description and Expectations for AP Language and Composition.
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Student (Please print) Date Parent Date
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