AP Language and Composition Class Expectations
Ms. Hatley
Welcome to AP Language and Composition! This is a college level English course that will use college texts as well as supplemental materials appropriate for college readers. The course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam which will be offered in the spring. It is expected that students entering AP Language and Composition are performing at the college freshman level.
Preparing for an AP exam is a cooperative venture between students and their teacher. Students entering the course should already possess a wide reading background beyond required school texts and be able to reflect on their reading through extensive discussion, writing, and rewriting. Students will be expected to assume considerable responsibility for the amount of reading and writing they will do. The pace of the course is rigorous; the syllabus will indicate a novel, play, or series of short stories, arguments and speeches for critical reading each week. The students may be expected to locate or purchase copies of some of the texts required for class.
The course will include an intensive study of works that excel in rhetoric and the primary focus is on American Literature. Through close readings of selected texts, students will deepen their understanding of ways writers use language to persuade or inform the reader. As they read, students will consider a work’s themes, structure, choice of syntax and diction as well as rhetorical devices.
Organization, Evaluation and Assessment:
· Binder dedicated to this course for organizing class notes, reading notes, handouts and journal entries.
· Academic Planner – homework assignments and long-range planning – optional but valuable
· Homework – expect reading or written work almost every night
· 3” x 3” Post It Notes (“stickies”)
· Quizzes, tests, and exams – vocabulary quizzes, reading quizzes, unit tests, and semester exams (70% major grades – 30% daily grades)
· Essays, research paper, and oral presentations
Student responsibilities:
· Timely attendance with appropriate attitude, preparation, and materials.
· For any school-sponsored absence (field trip), make up work must be completed before the absence.
· Respect for peers, teacher, and learning environment.
· Compliance with Saginaw High School Student Code of Conduct.
· No late work accepted
Sarah Hatley
Saginaw High School English Department
(817) 306-0914; ext. 114;
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