Advanced Placement English Language and Composition/ Honors American Literature (Spring 2012) Ms. Michelle Yother Andrews M.Ed. Classroom 3316/Office 3324 Email: AndrewsMY@fultonschools.org Website: www.michelleandrews.net Purpose of Course Advanced Placement Language and Composition is designed to promote divergent thinking and in-depth analysis so that students will write cohesive and grammatically persuasive essays. The purpose of this course is to develop the necessary skills for students to pass the National Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Examination in May in order to receive college credit for the English Language Composition course. As such, the emphases of this course are those laid out by the College Board. Course Description and Standards AP English Language and Composition is a study of the methods of development emphasized in expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that establishes the foundation of academic and professional discourse as well as personal, reflective writing. The goal throughout the year is to develop the strength and originality of the writer s voice and to help students select appropriate persona depending upon context. The course explores representative discourse and major literary themes across the history of the United States from pre-colonial times to present day. Students will focus on the major literary forms of the emerging nation, analyze the literary themes and trends, and research and compose papers, speeches, and presentations using representative forms. Consistent with state curriculum, the Fulton County Schools English language arts curriculum implementation aligns with state standards. The content standards for this course are clustered by strands: Reading and Literature, Reading Across the Curriculum, Conventions, Writing, and Listening/Speaking/Viewing. For more information on GPS and for a complete listing of standards, please visit: www.georgiastandards.org/ Major Skills SKILLS EMPHASIZED: Based on the guidelines set forth by the College Board, the AP English Lang & Comp students will: analyze and interpret samples of good writing, identifying and explaining author s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques; apply effective strategies and techniques in their own writing; create and sustain arguments based on reading, research, and/or personal experience; demonstrate understanding and mastery of standard written English as well as stylistic maturity in their own writing; write in a variety of genres and contexts, both formal and informal, employing appropriate conventions; produce expository and argumentative compositions that introduce a complex central idea and develop it with appropriate, specific evidence, cogent explanations, and clear transitions; and move effectively through the stages of the writing process, with careful attention to inquiry and research, drafting, revising, editing, and review. Texts Textbooks: Kennedy, X.J., Dorothy Kennedy, and Jane Aaron, eds. The Bedford Reader. ($62) Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience. ($64) Optional: Glen, Cheryl, et al. Hodge s Harbrace Handbook ($36)
Auxiliary Texts: Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. ($16) Huston, Zora Neal. Their Eyes Were Watching God. ($18) Cullen, Dave. Columbine. ($11) Twentieth-Century American Dramas. (anthology) Krakaeur, Jon. Into the Wild. ($23) Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. ($11) Textbook Policy: Students are financially responsible for all books issued by Alpharetta High School. Textbooks may not be left in classrooms, and teachers are not responsible for students books once books have been issued to the student. The copy issued to the student must be turned in at the end of the course. Students will not receive credit for turning in another student s book, and students may not turn in replacement books. The cost of replacement will be assigned to any student that fails to turn in the exact book she/he was issued and/or to any student that turns in a damaged book. If a student is issued a damaged book (i.e. broken binding, torn pages, water damage, writing, etc ), then the book must be brought to room 1330 for a replacement book or to document the damage. There is a two week grace period for students to document damage before the student will be held accountable. Georgia Performance Standards Consistent with state curriculum, the Fulton County Schools English language arts curriculum implementation aligns with state standards (GPS). The content standards for this course are clustered by strands: Reading and Literature, Reading Across the Curriculum, Conventions, Writing, and Listening/Speaking/Viewing. A complete list of 11 th grade standards may be found at www.gerogiastandards.org. First and Second Semester: Grading Assessment Type Summative Assessment *Tests, Projects, and Major Compositions will be entered as out of 100 points Formative Assessment * Homework, class work, journals, quizzes, and so on. *Grades will be entered out of varied point totals that will depend on the amount of work required for the respective assessment (10, 20, 50 or 100 points). Final Exam or EOCT *First Semester, the exam covers topics relating to Honors American Literature and AP Language and Composition. Second Semester s exam will be the EOCT, a state mandated assessment. (grade is determined by the state). Percentage of Overall Grade 55% 30% 15% Fulton County Grading Scale: A = 90 and above B = 80-89 C = 70 79 F = 69 and below New RISE (Re-teaching/Instructional Support Experience) policy statement: a. RISE is an opportunity for students to relearn course standards OR receive other instructional support in the form of more focused instruction from their teachers. b. All teachers are available for extra help, should a student want or need it. However, once a student s course average drops below a 75, RISE policy requires that the student AND parent be notified AND that the student spend a minimum of 30 minutes per week with the teacher for that course (or another teacher of the same course) until the student attains a course average of 75*. c. English/Language Arts RISE sessions are offered on Tuesday morning and during lunch. d. RISE is separate from and should not be confused with FCS Recovery policy. * If the below-75 student average is a consequence of failure to make up work missed when absent, student should follow the teacher s standard make-up policy.
Rules, Suggestions, and More Behavior: You must behave in a respectful, respectable manner in the classroom. Therefore: All school rules will be enforced (regarding dress code, cell phone, MP3 players, etc.). You may bring water into the classroom, but other drinks and food are prohibited. You must be in the classroom when the bell rings, and if you are not, you will be tardy and should sign the appropriate record. I will allow you to go to the bathroom occasionally (3-4 times a semester), but it should not be habitual. Do not ask to go to the restroom during lecture or instruction. Academic: I recommend that you maintain an organized three-ring binder exclusively for this class. You ll have handouts, notes, and other information throughout the semester, and you are responsible for keeping track of your materials. You should come to class prepared. Locker passes will not be issued unless there are special circumstances. AP Exam Requirements: Per Fulton County and College Board policy, any student that does not take their AP exam FOR ANY EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED REASON is responsible for the returned/unused exam fee of $13. Any student that is passing their AP class, even if it is with a 70%, MUST take their AP exam. Home Access Center: As you may already know, Alpharetta High School has a program called Home Access Center that allows you to view academic progress and attendance on-line. You may contact the AHS Counseling Office to obtain a log on password to your account. Due to limited access to a telephone during the day, the best way for us to keep in contact with you is by email. Computer/Technical Issues: You will be expected to use a computer frequently for this class. Because technical problems are quite common, you should save your work frequently and in multiple locations. Computer problems are not an excuse for not having work completed or typed. You will be required to use a computer outside of class. If you do not have access to a computer at home, you may use the AHS Media Center computers before school, during lunch, or after school. Public libraries also have computers available. You are responsible for printing your own work! You will not be allowed to print work during class time. You may print your work at the AHS Media Center before school, during lunch, or after school (they charge a small fee). Major compositions will be submitted to Fulton County s plagiarism detection site, turnitin.com. Students must register to use the site, and registration requires an e-mail address. See the Plagiarism Statement for more information. Late Work, Make-Up Work, Remediation, and Extra Help Late Work Policy: Late Summative Assignments will receive a maximum of half credit. Most Formative Assessments will not be accepted late unless there are extenuating circumstances. Make-Up Work Policy: It is your responsibility to obtain make-up work before school, after school, or before or after class. I update the class website daily with notes, assignments, and announcements. If you are absent, please check the website before you return to school. You will be expected to have any work due on the date of your absence completed on the day you return. It is your responsibility to submit this work to me before or after class. I will not remind you. If the work is not turned in the day of your return, it will be considered late. Work issued to the class on the date(s) of your absence should be completed the day after you return, or on a reasonable timetable as determined in a conference with me. Tests, quizzes, and in-class essays should be made up within a week of the original testing date. See me to schedule a time. These policies also apply to field trips, TAG seminars, and other school-related absences.
Extra Help: I am available for general make-up work, clarification, or extra help every day BEFORE school and can be found in 3324. I am also available some afternoons, by appointment. You may drop by any morning, but please make an appointment if you need my undivided attention for an extended period of time or would like to meet in the afternoon. Help will be given on a first come, first serve basis, unless an appointment is scheduled. Also, please feel free to e-mail me with questions! I will respond within 24 hours (except on weekends). Recovery: Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Students must contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester. The teacher will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades. To be eligible for recovery, you must have no missing assignments and have not been excessively absent. Students (YOU) have to start this process! AHS Plagiarism Statement and Academic Honesty Expectations AHS Plagiarism Statement: A particular kind of honor code violation occurs with plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as the use of another s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one s own. Acts of plagiarism include but are not limited to using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation; using the work of another student (e.g., copying another student s homework, composition or project); using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or paid editor. Plagiarism on any project or paper at Alpharetta High School will result in a zero for the assignment, two days of Saturday school, and an Honor Code Violation. Unless directly stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on written work is not acceptable. Students who willingly provide other students with access to their work are in violation of the Alpharetta High School Honor Code. From time to time, students will be required to register with and post assignments to the Fulton County approved plagiarism detection site, turnitin.com. Should the teacher require posting the particular assignment to turnitin.com, the assignment must have been posted to the website prior to the time the assignment is collected in class or the assignment will be considered late. Academic Honesty Expectations: It is the AHS administration and faculty s sincere hope that all students will demonstrate the highest level of academic honesty. The following information is designed to encourage this desire. Violations of the AHS Academic Honesty Expectations include, but are not limited to: 1.) using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation;* 2.) using the work of another student (e.g. copying another student s homework, composition, or project); 3.) using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or paid editor; 4.) using any electronic device for sharing information prior to, during, or after a graded experience. *plagiarism-the use of another s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one s own. Academic dishonesty of any graded experience, project, or paper will result in a zero on the assignment, an honor code violation and 2 days of Saturday School. Administering of punishment will be done by the teacher, grade-level administrator, and academic counselor. Unless stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on graded experiences is not acceptable. Students who willingly provide other students with access to their work are in violation of the Alpharetta High School Honor Code. General Course Overview SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: COMPOSITION ASSIGNMENTS Writing in this class emphasizes process and individual growth as a writer. Depending on the composition method and type, the student will be expected to employ the various steps of the writing process. For both major and minor compositions, the teacher will create a forum for peer and teacher edit. In editing and revising their writing, students should address the objectives for effective writing as stated in The College Board s AP English Course Description (May 2006/May 2007). These objectives ask the student to focus on: Using wide-ranging vocabulary appropriately and effectively; Incorporating a variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of subordination and coordination
Creating logical organization, enhanced by specific techniques to increase coherence, such as repetition, transitions, and emphasis Balancing general and specific illustrative detail; and Effectively employing use of rhetoric, by controlling tone, establishing and maintaining voice, and achieving appropriate emphasis through diction and sentence structure Teacher commentary will also focus on providing feedback in these areas. The revision process for major and minor compositions is as follows: For Major Compositions, a Formative Assessment grade will be given for rough drafts of essays. The rough draft is due at the beginning of the period on writing workshop days; students receive full credit if they complete the word requirements and if they provide appropriate commentary on their classmates compositions. The teacher will assess final drafts using that assignment s rubric for a Summative Assessment grade. In order to have the last draft assessed, the student MUST include all earlier required drafts. For Minor Compositions, a Formative Assessment grade will also be given for rough drafts. The draft is due at the beginning of the period on writing workshop days. At times, students will participate in peer-edit, receiving full credit if they complete the word requirements and if they provide appropriate commentary on their classmates compositions; other times, they may complete a self-edit assignment, the nature of which will vary depending on the composition type. A Summative Assessment grade may still be given to a Minor Composition. For all major and minor compositions, the appropriate use of MLA formatting and citation guidelines will be required. Also, I will ask that you submit all minor and major compositions to turnitin.com. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: WRITING PORTFOLIO (2 nd Semester): In connection with the writing process and its emphasis on student progress, the final assignment of the year will be the student construction of a portfolio. The portfolio will represent their work over the course of the year, including works from first semester. The creation of the portfolio is in alignment with the College Board s assertion in the AP English Course Description (May 2006/May 2007) that composition programs in college recognize that skill in writing proceeds from students awareness of their own composing processes; the way they explore ideas, reconsider strategies, and revise their work. As they have for all other major writing assignments, students will focus on the objectives for effective writing as described in The College Board s AP English Course Description May 2006/May 2007. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: AP EXAM PREPARATION The assignments of this course (such as the compositions, the daily assignments, and the unit tests) are used to meet the themes and course requirements of Advanced Placement. The AP Language & Composition course requires the student to investigate the use of language as a rhetorical transaction and the fundamental basis of argument and persuasion; it requires students to analyze the complex effect created by the use of rhetorical techniques in the works of representative American authors. Moreover, students will improve their own ability to achieve rhetorical effectiveness in composition both by means of frequent composing and by evaluating effective, multimedia examples of the many methods of rhetorical discourse. In addition to practicing these skills through integrated classroom activities and assignments, students will also have ample practice with the format of the AP exam. As such, students will take full-length practice AP exams throughout the year. Each AP Exam is comprised of 3 essays (persuasive, rhetorical analysis, synthesis) and one multiple choice test. The full tests will be supplemented by additional practice essays and practice multiple choice. Some practice will be worked into the unit tests. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: UNIT TESTS Unit tests will be given at the end of some major units. The literary and/or rhetorical aspects will be assessed. Rhetorical writing concepts will be addressed as well, such as grammar, vocabulary, and evidence of knowledge of the rhetorical process of writing. Unit tests will vary in format. Some will include AP style multiple choice questions and/or AP style timed writing. Students are expected to be prepared to respond to major and minor detail of the readings.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: A variety of scaffolding strategies will be employed throughout the year in order to prepare the students for the major assessments in the class and for the AP exam. In each unit the teacher will select some of these activities to be assessed and assigned points that will fall under the practice & participation category of the students overall grade percentage. These activities may include but are not limited to: Socratic Seminars Student led discussions Great Books Discussion/Analysis Mobile discussion (Four Corners) Cooperative learning Quickwrites (may include freewrites, style imitation practice, short answer response, etc.) Reading Quizzes Annotated Reading Journal entries SOAPSTone Analysis Daily Grammar Practice Teacher and/or Peer Edited Rough Drafts CLASS FRAMEWORK: The year will be taught in five main units. Because this class has a duel focus, American Literature and AP Language, each unit will include both literary and rhetorical concepts. Semester One Unit Introduction Summer Reading; Introduction to Rhetoric & Persuasion One The American Dream: Pre-19 th Century Literature, Speeches, and Rhetorical Canons Two The American Renaissance: Romanticism, Persuasion, Tropes, and Research Three The American Voice: Realism/Naturalism, Schemes, Satire, and Synthesis Semester Two Unit Four Five Conclusion The American Dream Deferred: Modernism, Rhetorical Analysis The American Question: Postmodernism, Rogerian Research EOCT and AP Exam Computer Network Policy Unauthorized intrusion of computer networks is a major disciplinary infraction. Students are prohibited from 1. unauthorized/unsupervised use of the computer network 2. shelling-out to network directories 3. adding software packages of any kind to the network 4. causing damage to the network environment Internet Access Guidelines Access to the Internet is available at AHS. It will be used only as a part of research in the academic area. We believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to the community. Our goal in providing this service to you is to help promote educational excellence. We at Alpharetta H.S. firmly believe that the access to valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material inconsistent with the educational goals of Fulton County Board of Education. Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and
regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you have. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. Statements and/or information provided by the Internet's World Wide Web do not necessarily reflect those views held by AHS. Any information you gather from various World Wide Web sites while you are using the Internet is your sole responsibility. This is also true for any damages incurred. This includes loss of data, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the Internet or by your own error(s) or omission(s). Alpharetta High School, Fulton County Board of Education accepts no responsibility for accuracy and/or quality of information obtained through the use of its Internet services. Additionally, vandalism will result in immediate cancellation of privileges, disciplinary action and may result in school suspension and/or criminal charges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet provider. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Moreover, you do not have permission to create "homepages," directories, or establish additional network addresses here at Alpharetta High School.