Pre-AP English II Syllabus 2012-2013
Caney Valley High School
Pre- AP English II
Course Requirements 2012-2013
Course and Instructor Information: Mrs. Hillary Eagle, 918-855-5939
Course Description: Pre-AP English II is a sophomore language arts course. The course is skills-based and requires you to draw upon skills and knowledge you have already acquired, as well as introduces new concepts that will be required for the rest of your high school English classes. Pre-AP English II students will focus on close readings of various texts, studying the organization and structure of language for correct use in writing and speaking, and building and refining writing skills. We will also focus on the improvement of reading skills, listening skills, critical thinking skills, research skills, self-discipline, and time management. This course is also set up to help introduce skills necessary for an AP class in English next year.
Course Content and Objectives: Students in Pre-AP English II will be exposed to a wide range of both classic and contemporary literature including short selections of essays, poetry, novels, and drama. Major literary works will include Lord of the Flies, and“Julius Caesar.” Emphasis will be placed on close reading for comprehension and analysis, vocabulary study involving both denotative and connotative meanings, advanced syntax and usage, and rapid, independent reading of both teacher and student selected works. Students will cover a variety of composition styles including personal narrative, analytical open-ended response, literary analysis, argumentative essay, synthesis essay (research based writing) and rhetorical analysis. Assignments will include, but are not limited to, journal entries, personal and documented essays, independent reading and comprehension, class discussions, oral presentations, grammar usage and mechanics study, quizzes, and tests. Pre-AP English II will provide students with a thorough foundation of the skills necessary to be successful in both AP English III and AP English IV.
Required Materials:
-Loose-leaf Notebook Paper (college ruled)
-3-Ring Binder and Dividers (all papers for English must be in organized sections)
-Blue or Black Pens (ball-point ONLY) and #2 pencils
-Highlighters (any color other than YELLOW)
-Flash Drive (needed during the Research process)
It is necessary that you bring these materials to class EVERYDAY!
Grading Scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59 and below
Plagiarism/Cheating: Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work. This is a very serious offense and it will not be tolerated. If I discover that you have either plagiarized or cheated on an assignment, you will receive a ZERO for that assignment. Keep in mind that a ZERO can hurt your grade significantly. I am quite familiar with many different sites on the internet and can check them if I feel you have not turned in your own original work. This also goes for “homework sharing.” I want YOUR thoughts and ideas, not your classmates. A ZERO will be given to both offenders; therefore, do not let others copy your work either. BOTTOM LINE: Do not cheat or plagiarize! You can, and most likely will be caught; it’s just not worth it.
Absence and Make-up Policy: School policy provides one make-up day per day of excused absence. In the case of extenuating circumstances, more time will be afforded. Work that was previously assigned is due the day you return. If a student misses an exam due to an absence and was given advanced notice of the assessment, he/she is required to make up the exam the day of returning from the absence in order to receive full credit.
Note: It is YOUR responsibility to collect missed work/information from an absence BEFORE you return to class.
Late Work Policy:
All assignments are due at the beginning of class in hard copy format. The only exception to this rule is if the student has a school-approved excused absence, and then the student must comply with the school’s absence make up work policy. See “Absence and Make Up Policy” above. One day late work will be accepted for a grade of a 50%.After this one day window, students may NOT turn in late homework. Computer problems will NOT serve as a reason to circumvent this procedure, so don’t wait until the last minute to print. Computers and printers are available in the library and computer lab.
Classroom Management: Students will be expected to follow the Caney Valley Student Code of Conduct as outlined by our district as well as the classroom rules. Disruptive and inappropriate behavior will be dealt with according to classroom and school policies. Punishments will fit the severity of the misbehavior.
Note: Severe consequences may override procedure in the following circumstances:
-disruption of class
-overt defiance
-illegal activity
-endangerment (physical violence, threats, bullying)
Restroom Policy:
As a general rule, students will not be allowed to use the restroom during class time, so it is essential that students use passing period time wisely. Due to the intense nature of the course, students must be in class to receive 100% of the class time’s instruction. If there are extenuating circumstances, please discuss the situation with the teacher before/during class for the necessary restroom use.
Class Rules:
1. Follow directions the first time every time.
2. Be respectful.
3. Be prepared.
4. Take care of personal needs during passing periods.
5. Follow school rules.
Guidelines for Success:
1. Be positive with your attitude, words, and actions.
2.Listen, think, and then respond.
3. Take ownership of your own learning.
4. Breathe...
2012-2013 Pre-AP English II Outside Reading
Outside reading is designed to exercise your reading and writing skills throughout the next few months of school, while also preparing you for the next school year. It is possible to begin reading the “outside” reading at the beginning of the school year, it is best to get a head start because of the hectic nature of the regular course work in Pre-AP English II. Assessments over the text will be at the end of each semester, so it is highly recommended that you read both required reading pieces before they are due. Don’t procrastinate.
Pre-AP English II’s syllabus will be divided into two different semesters, each containing a different focus in reading and writing skills. Semester one will focus primarily on non-fiction, persuasive writing, synthesis essay, and rhetorical analysis while, semester two will focus primarily on fiction and literary analysis. This will prepare the students with the foundational skills they will need to succeed in both AP English III and IV.
The student is responsible for completing a required ROR (Stands for Required Outside Reading, a typed assignment) outside of class each semester. He/she will be applying this knowledge through various lesson activities and timed writings throughout the semester and a written composition as part of the semester exam. As a result, his/her semester grade will reflect the completion and quality of this work.
The ROR is a typed assignment that will be paired with each required reading piece. Each semester the student will be responsible for turning in the attached typed assignment which will follow the student through the next two years of AP and aid in class activities and AP test preparation. He/she may access the electronic version posted on the school’s website. Please see the posted sample assignment, non-negotiable expectations, and plagiarism policy before beginning your work. This assignment will count as an assessment grade, cover each semester’s required reading, and is due at the beginning of the third six weeks of each semester. It is highly recommended the student completes this assignment immediately following the completion of reading each text to contain the most accurate and useful information.
A summary of each semester’s initial major outside reading grades/deadlines are listed below:
Task Due / Due DateComplete semester 1’s nonfiction novel outside reading / Last day of 1st nine weeks, semester 1
First outside reading assessment covering nonfiction novel
*Assessment grade* / Last Monday of 2nd nine weeks,
semester 1
Turn in 1st semester’s assignment from online syllabus (nonfiction novel).
*Assessment grade* / Last day of 2nd nine weeks,
semester 1
Complete semester 2’s fiction reading / Last day of 3rd nine weeks, semester 2
First semester 2 assessment covering
*Assessment grade* / Last Monday of 4th nine weeks,
semester 2
Turn in 2nd semester’s assignment from online syllabus (fiction novel).
*Assessment grade* / Next to last day of 4th nine weeks,
semester 2
Please see the two required outside readings below:
Semester 1- Literature Focus: Non-fiction (preparation for English III AP Language and Composition)
Writing Focus-Persuasive Writing, Synthesis Essay, and Rhetorical Analysis
Semester 2- Literature Focus: Fiction (preparation for English IV AP Literature and Composition)
Writing Focus: Literary Analysis
Student may choose from novel options included on the New York Times Bestseller list several weeks running. He/she may choose to buy the book from a store, borrow from a friend, or loan it from the library. Be aware the student may be asked to bring it to class several times throughout the semester.
Disclaimer: Due to the range of novel topics available on the choice list for semesters one and two, it is recommended parents read book reviews by sources they trust before determining whether or not a student should read a certain work. It is also recommended parents read along with the student in order to be available for any questions/necessary discussion. Some topics are more sensitive than others depending on expectations for each individual student.
ROR DOCUMENT INSTRUCTIONS
ROR
Required Outside Reading
Note Form
Copy/Paste Directions: This form has been posted electronically for your convenience. You may copy/paste page two for every time you are assigned a ROR (one for each semester’s required summer reading piece). When doing so, however, please make sure to regard all standard directions.
Standard Directions: Before beginning your first ROR, save an original copy on your computer for future use. For each required read (2, one for each semester), type in responses on the appropriate template as you read. Sketchy notes will not receive full credit. Plagiarized ideas will be submitted to administration. Your notes should be single spaced within each numbered answer and double space between responses.
Helpful Hints for Producing Notes:
1. Single space within a given response; double space between responses.
2. Become very familiar with the responses you are being prompted to give before beginning the ROR. Avoid unnecessary repetition by planning where you will write what. The ROR requires you to complete an exhaustive analysis. If you are merely restating the same ideas over and over, you are not dissecting the material with enough thought or thoroughness.
3. Analyze as you go; do not wait until you have finished the novel to begin your ROR.
4. Practice preciseness, but content need not be sacrificed for concision….you must learn to write with style, which is the ability to state in writing, with clarity, economy, and grace, precisely what you want to say.
5. To do numbers 2, 3, and 4 well, you should find yourself editing and revising. While these reading notes are certainly not formal papers, turning in a first draft of a ROR will indicate to me that your ability or dedication as an AP student may be lacking (and, subsequently, your resulting grade will suffer).
6. It is fine (but not required or necessary) to research criticism regarding the works read; however, do not do so in lieu of independent thinking and analysis. Further, make sure the criticism you explore is from a valid source, and if you use someone else’s ideas, cite them as such.
7. ROR’s take longer to complete than they look like they do…don’t wait until the last minute!
Name
Mrs. Eagle
Pre-AP English II- Period ___
Date
Semester 2: Reading Literary Analysis Focus ROR
1. Title of work:
2. Author and publishing date:
3. Relevant author biography:
4. Characters (major and minor) with a brief commentary on each:
5. Settings with brief commentary of each and its effect on the reader and/or characters:
6. Plot outline:
7. Major themes with commentary on each:
8. Symbols, citing at least two instances in the book where the same symbol appears and giving commentary on each:
9. Provide at least five writing techniques or literary devices the writer employs—perhaps ones that are the writer’s “trademarks”:
10. Title’s significance:
11. Without repeating any information above, explain why this work is considered AP level. Be specific:
12. Being specific, why or why wouldn’t you recommend this book to a friend?
Name
Mrs. Eagle
Pre-AP English II- Period ___
Date
Semester 1: Reading Rhetorical Analysis Focus ROR
1. Title of work:
2. Author and publishing date:
3. Relevant author biography:
4. Intended audience:
5. Topic:
6. Author’s purpose:
7. Author’s central claim:
8. Author’s supporting reasons:
9. Author’s use of evidence:
10. Provide at least five writing techniques or literary devices the writer employs— perhaps ones that are the writer’s “trademarks”:
11. Provide at least two examples of the author’s use of each of the main rhetorical strategies including ethos, pathos, and logos:
12. Title’s significance:
13. Without repeating any information above, explain why this work is considered a Pre-AP level reading. Be specific:
14. Being specific, why or why wouldn’t you recommend this book to a friend?
All students must take the semester exam. You must pass English II with a 60% or better or you will have to repeat the course. Successful completion of both semesters of this class is a graduation requirement of Caney Valley High School.
I do not give you a grade—YOU EARN YOUR GRADE. I take your work and efforts very seriously and will evaluate them fairly and thoroughly. Please feel free to conference with me at any time.
“I have read the attached course syllabus and understand the requirements, expectations and late work policy for this class”
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Student Signature Date
PARENTS: Please review the course syllabus and class expectations with your student. Please acknowledge that your child has shared this information with you, and include your email address if you wish to receive progress reports when I update grades.
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Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Email address
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