Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) English I

2008-2009 Course Syllabus and Policies

Mrs. Amy Green, KleinCollinsHigh School

Course Philosophy

Conceptually, Pre-AP is based on the following two important premises: the expectation that all students can perform at rigorous academic levels, and the belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible. The goal of a Pre-AP class is to develop the skills, habits of mind, and concepts students need to succeed in AP classes and eventually in college and careers.

Advanced Academic Students will:

  • Profess a strong interest in the subject selected.
  • Maintain exceptional study skills and demonstrate positive habits related to school.
  • Consider time commitments and be able to balance his/her academic load with outside commitments and family.
  • Ask questions and participate in class discussions.
  • Persevere when faced with challenging material.
  • Ask for help from instructor when needed.
  • Work ahead on long-term projects.

Points of Study

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros*

The Odyssey by Homer

Lord of the Flies by William Golding*

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas*

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee*

Short stories, poems, nonfiction selections, essays

Allegory and Propaganda techniques

Vocabulary (Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary book, level E) The book will cost $10.00 and money is due by Sept. 8, 2008

Writing Process

Grammar and Mechanics

Literary Analysis

*An asterisk identifies the novels that students will need to obtain for the class.

Course Materials

Organization is essential to success. The following supplies are needed daily!

  • A journal—a notebook specifically for journal writing only.
  • A three-ring binder with dividers for handouts and notes.
  • Blue, black, and red pens.
  • Highlighters
  • Post-it notes
  • Computer jump drive is highly recommended.

Community supplies—according to last name.

A-F glue/glue sticks

G-L markers

M-R Kleenex

S-Z construction paper

Grading Policy

There will be at least 3 major grades per six-weeks.

Major grades = 60% (tests, writing assignments, projects)

Daily grades = 40% (homework, quizzes, class work)

Late Work: Please reference the Klein Collins English Department policy.

Classroom Rules

  1. Respect all people and property AT ALL TIMES.
  2. Be on time to class.
  3. Be prepared. Check my website and your daily planner or agenda the night before!
  4. NO food or drink.
  5. NO cell phones
  6. NO I-pods or other electronic devices prohibited per your student handbook.
  7. Have both personal and academic integrity. In other words, be honest and kind to others, and do all your own work without ever cheating or plagiarizing. (KCHS honor code)

Please be sure to check my website daily for assignments, handout copies, and up-dates!