Douglas
County High School
AP
Literature and Composition Syllabus
Dr. Lynch
Fall 2016
770-651-6000
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The
AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in careful
reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close
reading of selected texts, students deepen their understandings of the ways
writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As
they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as
such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery,
symbolism, and tone. (Excerpt taken from the 2015 College Board course
description)
We
will talk each class about some vital aspect of literature, ranging from the
author’s craft to genre-specific forms and elements to a work’s socio-cultural
importance. Through these discussions, we will consider the ways that seminal
works in the English language speak to the author’s audience, across time, and
to us in the year 2016. Our conversations will also allow us to consider why
and how this is so through close reading, strategic analysis, and personal
reflection. In addition to reading both deeply and widely across the year, this
is a writing-intensive course designed to encourage writing to understand,
writing to explain, and writing to evaluate. Students will additionally be
asked to write creative assignments as well, not in order to create
masterpieces in the context of this class (although master work is welcome),
but rather to gain an appreciation for the discipline particular literary forms
require and to demonstrate an understanding of how they work from the inside
out. In short, we will read like writers and write like readers.
Performance Standards/
Objectives:
- Students
will generate pieces of writing that meet the demands of the Advanced
Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition.
- Students
will read texts that represent both classical and contemporary literature
in the following genres: drama, fiction and poetry.
- Students
will develop their ability to discuss important ideas based upon their
reading of challenging literature.
- Students
will develop their ability to analyze, discuss and write about poetry.
Texts
Provided texts will come from our textbook, The Bedford Introduction to Literature. In addition, we will read
from classroom novels, such as 1984,
Frankenstein, Great Expectations,
among other possibilities from the AP Literature and Composition suggested
authors list.
Required Materials:
·
Composition
Book (no spiral notebooks, please)
·
Binder
with Tabs Labeled-
o
Course/Exam
Info.
o
Notes
o
Handouts
o
Writing-
Current
o
Writing-
Returned
·
Notebook
paper
·
Pen
(blue/black only)/Pencil
Reading Assignments-
Students
are expected to read all assignments with care and on time. Students who are
not used to regular reading assignments outside of class would do well to plan
time in their schedule for this reading in a space free from distractions. In
addition, students should be prepared to discuss readings in class, so notes
are a useful aid.
Formal Writing
Assignments-
Students will write a number of critical and creative assignments. Critical
assignments will include explications of poetry and drama and performing close
readings of short fiction and novels. Critical papers will generally be between
two-to-three pages long, with the exception of a longer research paper. I will
often require rough drafts; we will talk in class about how to document the
drafting process using Word Track Changes or Google Docs. All formal essays must be typed
(12-point Times New Roman font), double-spaced, revised (for organization and
meaning), and edited (for errors).
Writing
Processes-
Writing is often seen as a lonely activity. I don’t believe this is accurate.
In this class, while students are responsible for the content of their final
drafts, we will use a Writing Workshop approach to drafting, revising, and
editing work together. This includes time during class reading and discussing
each other’s writing with the goal of growing as writers together. For this
reason, students who come to class without drafts of assigned papers will miss
valuable feedback and suggestions from their classmates.
In-Class
Writing Assignments- In addition to formal papers and original works of
literature, students will engage in informal writing assignments that offer
opportunities to reflect on readings/understandings, puzzle over complicated
questions, make sense of discussions, and plan ideas for formal writing tasks. Students
will write in-class essays in the preparation for the AP Language and
Composition Exam that they will take in the fall. The purpose of these writing
tasks will serve to help students get used to writing, revising, and editing a
strong literary analysis essay in the 40 minutes that they will have during the
exam.
A Note about
Academic Honesty: Plagiarism (that is using someone else’s
ideas, words, without giving them credit) will result in a 0% for that
assignment; you may regain up to 50% of the grade by re-completing the
assignment (or an alternative assignment) entirely after school or during lunch
in Dr. Lynch’s classroom and presence and at her convenience. In addition, disciplinary
action will be taken. (See the DCHS policy on plagiarism.)
*NOTE: This syllabus
is subject to change without prior notice*
Expectations
1.
Be respectful,
if not kind.
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In
this class, we are to treat each other with empathy and kindness, both face-to-face
and otherwise. Our language will be respectful whether we agree or disagree,
whether we understand each other or not. We must also show respect for our
time, understanding that we have none to waste on anything unworthy of
serious thought, as well as our environment by keeping it tidy.
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2.
Be responsible,
if not passionate.
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In
this class, students are expected to come to class:
ü On time.
ü Prepared.
ü Aware of
assignment deadlines.
ü Ready to learn.
Sometimes
being responsible requires us to ask questions when we are unsure of what’s
expected of us. In addition, do what you
know is
right, regardless of the actions of others.
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3.
Be appropriate,
if not thoughtful.
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Students
are expected to conduct themselves as mature, well-mannered young adults.
This means using keeping contributions to class and small group discussions
relevant and meaningful and practicing habits that you will soon use either
in college or the workplace. If you’d likely get fired one day for an action,
it doesn’t belong here.
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4.
Be involved, if
not fully-present.
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Participate
to the fullest extent that you can. This means, not only being present in
body, but in mind as well; for this reason, students should not be on their
cell phones unless specifically instructed by the teacher. Furthermore, stay
on task. Ask questions. Answer questions. Take notes. You only get each day
once; take advantage of every one of them.
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5.
Be honest, if
not authentic.
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When
we make mistakes in this class, they are opportunities to learn. Should a
student realize he/she has made a mistake, let’s talk and move forward
together. Don’t make excuses or cover them up.
Students
are to complete their own work—both in and out of class.
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Classroom
Management
In order for each student to feel safe and
comfortable in my classroom, a positive and respectful attitude is expected of
all students, this includes respecting others’ thoughts, work, feelings, and
individuality. If a student does not demonstrate positive behavior, I will
visit with him/her and we will try to resolve the issue together. If this
proves unsuccessful, students will call their parent at home or work and
explain their behavior. The third offense will be a disciplinary report to the
office. Any negative behavior that continues will result in a conference with
the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), the teacher, and an administrator.
Class
Policies
Late
Work- Late assignments
(not related to an absence), will receive a 10% deduction for each school day
that is it late, regardless of whether our class meets that day or not.
Extra
Credit- I do not offer
extra credit assignments in this course. Rather, I will (on occasion) offer
extra credit points on individual assignments if students perform additional
learning tasks.
Make-Up
Work- Students will have
1 school day for each day absent to make up missed work. It is the students'
responsibility to determine what was missed and get work to Dr. Lynch.
Reassessment-
Students may reassess or
revise/edit a summative assignments (a test, essay, or project with a failing
score) IF all related classwork and homework has been and IF the student
demonstrated effort in preparation.
Cell
Phones- Cell phones must
be on MUTE and out of site unless Dr. Lynch has specifically requested their
use for an engagement.
Food
and Drinks- Water is always
allowed in class in a container with a lid. Other food and drinks are not
permitted in class.
Acknowledgements
The syllabus will be kept by the student in his or her notebook or binder.
This page will be kept on file by Dr. Lynch. A full copy of this syllabus will
be available on the class webpage for future reference. I have read and understand all of the classroom procedures and expectations for AP Literature and Composition. I understand that this is a reading and writing-intensive course with rigorous expectations. It is my responsibility to inform Dr. Lynch of any questions or concerns regarding any information provided in this syllabus.
Student name _____________________________________________
Student signature___________________________________________Date_________
I have read and discussed the classroom procedures and expectations with my child. I understand it and will support it.
Parent/Guardian signature ___________________________________Date_________
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