Nanci Bush - 2010
Welcome to AP English Language and Composition!
In some ways, this class is like other English classes that you’ve had because it involves a close reading of materials and in-depth analysis of various texts. However, this class is unique because the major focus of your AP English Language test (and therefore our class) is nonfiction, not literature. During this year, we will be studying rhetoric (the art of persuasion) with concentration on both purpose and function (the why and how). To be thorough, these topics will require that we study various genres of text (including political, scientific, and even visual works). This course will also encourage you to become a Citizen Rhetorician, a person with not only a deep understanding of societal issues, but also with a thoughtful opinion about the topic. A broad knowledge base of current (and past) issues, as well as a solid repertoire of techniques to convince others of your opinions, will benefit you not only on your AP test, but also in college and on your looming SATs and ACTs. While our course of study may be different than what you originally expected, most will find it intriguing.
The AP English Language test is set up with a 60-minute multiple-choice section, followed by a 2 hour and 15 minute free response section (3 essays). The test requires that you demonstrate an ability to read closely, mostly for content, author’s purpose, structure, or style and that you think critically and that you write well. Success on this test will not be measured by your ability to memorize facts and details, but by your ability to apply your reasoning skills. Because you will take a skills-based test, success will be measured by your incremental growth as a reader and writer, not by a power-studying weekend before the test.
In 2007 AP English Language Test was updated. The test developers added 15 minutes to the overall length of the test to help you handle the new challenges. English now has a Synthesis Essay (similar to a DBQ), which requires evaluating both sides of an argument and then supporting a position. Also, at least one of the sources that the committee provides is a visual (photograph, political cartoon, chart, graph, advertisement, etc.). In addition, the skill of reading and evaluating sources (by looking at the author, where published, and when published) is tested on the Multiple Choice section of the test. A new change for all of the AP tests in 2011 is that multiple choice scoring is switching to points for “right answers only” not the formula with a guessing penalty that AP formerly employed.
Course Objectives:
· Students will read and analyze texts (primarily nonfiction) to see how they fit in a social & historical context.
· Students will consider and discuss how an author utilizes language for an intended purpose and how language choices affect audience(s).
· Students will not only recognize the following rhetorical devices and effects in their own reading, but they will also begin to utilize them in their own writing: controlling tone, distinct voice, appropriate emphasis through diction and sentence structure.
· Students will write in a variety of genres (essay, poetry, story, journal) & styles (argumentative, analytical, exploratory, reflective, creative).
· Students will improve their writing via practice, peer editing, teacher conferences, and revision.
· Students will analyze and apply argumentative forms with regard to writing.
· Students will analyze and discuss visual texts for a more nuanced understanding of how writers/artists create an intended effect.
· Students will be able to document sources in researched essays and to evaluate the primary and secondary sources of other writers.
· Students will demonstrate active listening, speaking and discussion skills.
· Students will review and prepare for the AP Language and Composition test, as well as the PSAT, ACT, and SAT.
· Students will enhance their vocabularies
Units of Study:
I have organized our course into six topics of study: Language and Thought, Individual vs.
Society, Reality: Perception or Deception, Battle of the Sexes, The
American Dream, and Is the World Really Flat?. See the
Units of Study page for more information
regarding which texts we will study and essential questions we will discuss.
Assessment:
I use a point system to weight various assignments. A typical nine weeks has between 400 and 900 points. A homework assignment is worth 10-20 points. A Socratic Seminar or Practice AP Multiple Choice Test is worth 40 points. An in-class essay is worth 100 points. An out-of-class essay is worth 100-200 points. Point values will be stated when each project is assigned.
The grading scale that I will use in this class is the same as the school grading scale: 90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, and 0-59 F. I do not round grades, so if you plan to earn an A, please position yourself well within the A category. Most of your writings for this class will be scored using the Solon Rubrics (Analytical, Narrative, Persuasive) or the AP rubric. Student work which "extends" the basic assignment in some way will receive an A. Work that meets the expected criteria will receive a B, and work which does not meet the expected quality level or criteria of the assignment will receive a C, D, or F. In preparation for the AP exam, much of your nine weeks’ grades will be determined by in-class writings.
Tests:
As per Solon’s testing schedule, whenever possible English tests will be given on Mondays and Wednesdays. To discourage absences on test days, make up tests will be harder than in class tests. Report to the Testing Center to make up tests within three days. As per school policy, if you do not make up a test within the allotted time, you will receive a zero. (If you miss a vocabulary test, come to my room at 7:30 am the following day to make it up.)
Late Assignments: !!!
In an effort to discourage late assignments, and to be fair to all members of the class, all late assignments will be worth 50% of the original grade. This does not mean that you will automatically receive 1/2 of the points on a given assignment; it means you will receive half of the points you earned. Also, these assignments will only be accepted for five days after the initial due date. Tests and quizzes need to be made up within the number of days absent, as per the student handbook. For major assignments (more than one week prep time), your paper is due on the assigned day, regardless of absence.
Turnitin.com:
SHS teachers will be using turnitin.com as our plagiarism detection device again this year. I will supply you will the account information within the next few days. Please keep your password in a safe place for future submissions. If your assignment is not received by turnitin.com by midnight on the day the assignment is due, there will be a 10% reduction in points per day. After the assignment is returned to the class, it will not receive any points.
Absences: !!!
If you are absent, check the class calendar at solonschools.org to determine your homework assignment. Also, call a classmate to determine what occurred in class. If you are going to be absent more than three days, call the guidance office and I will send your assignments home to you. Also, if you are absent a partial day, I expect you to submit whatever work was due in my class either to my mailbox or to me personally on that day. Otherwise, late credit will be given. Another acceptable way to submit assignments when you’re missing is to my school email.
Missed Quizzes:
Oftentimes we will have pop quizzes to verify that you have completed the reading. If you are absent on the day of a quiz, your next quiz will count double. (You need to make up vocabulary and other tests however.)
Saving Class Materials:
I strongly advise you to save class materials in an organized fashion (notebook, file folders, etc.) You will be expected to review previously taught material for the midterm, AP exam, and final.
Resources:
There are various resources to help you succeed in this class:
· The writing lab—in the Media Center—is staffed by an English teacher at least one day per period per week. Teachers can help with revising essays, practicing multiple choice (AP, ACT, SAT), etc.
· Practice AP books – My two favorite practice manuals are the Cliff’s Notes version by Barbara Swovelin (~$15) and Five Steps to a Five by Barbara Murphy and Estelle Rankin (~$20). If you purchase either of these materials, be sure to remember that you are taking the LANGUAGE class. (AP 12 = Lit. & Comp.) There is also a useful APCD, published by the College Board (available at their website for ~$55), which contains many released tests.
· Solonschools.org – the school website offers my email, voicemail, and daily lesson plans.
· Americandreamer.net – my personal website created for your use in this class. It contains information on the texts we will be studying, the assignment sheets for the major projects we will complete this year, additional resources to help you with your AP English test, the SAT, and the ACT, plus, there is information on writing contests.
· Know the news. As difficult as it is for teenagers to develop an interest in what’s going on in the world, it’s a crucial aspect of your success this year. Opt to read a daily newspaper or a weekly newsmagazine (Time, Newsweek), or watch CNN or 60 minutes. Following a few stories in depth will provide you with details to discuss on open-ended prompts that you will encounter on the AP and SAT tests. Occasionally, we will have assignments which force your attention onto current events, but for the most part, it’s an individual responsibility.
Revisions:
I wholeheartedly believe that revision and reflection leads to improvement. I will be revamping the revision policy to work best within our class this year.
Materials:
Notebook, pen/pencil, required texts, various highlighters (blue, pink, yellow, green), and a "good" eraser.
Writing Folders:
We will continue to use writing folders to collect this year’s written work. We will also use them to enhance and monitor your growth as a writer.
Summer Reading:
You should have read No Impact Man and A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier. We will be discussing both texts before our first unit on Language and Thought. Please follow the class calendar for which days to bring either book to class. If you did not attend Solon last year, please see me so that parallel arrangements can be made.
Career Passports:
The State of Ohio requires all juniors to complete a career passport. This passport consists of information on your plans beyond high school, a resume, and reference letters. A career passport will be helpful as you apply to colleges and search for jobs. This is slated for completion around February.
Expectations:
1. Be respectful of your classmates, guests, and teacher.
2. Attendance. Aim to miss less than three days per nine weeks.
3. Come prepared. Your AP score, as well as those of your classmates, depends on it.
4. Do your best; seek help when you do not understand.
5. The work you hand in must be your own. Plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment and a phone call to parents.
6. If I give you a pass somewhere, go directly there, and remain there. Otherwise, it’s “skipping”.
7. No food or drink in the classroom or other learning environments.
8. Follow all rules in student handbook.
Disciplinary Actions
for Minor Infractions:
1. First infraction = verbal warning/teacher conference
2. Second infraction = 30 minute teacher detention (served within 3 days)
3. Third infraction = discipline referral + phone call to parents
*Any severe violation will result in an immediate referral to the office.
“Pearls do not lie on the seashore. To find them, you must dive for them.” --Chinese proverb
I am looking forward to a great year with you!
