English Literature

Advanced Placement English Literature Course Syllabus

Teacher: Stephanie Hunt Classroom: C 202 Textbook: Literature, An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama X.J. Kennedy/ Dana Gioria Themes in World Literature with A Guide for Writing About Literature Elliot, McFarland, Grainite, and Peckham Phone Number: 678-875-3678 Email: [email protected] Teacher Website: http://fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~STEPHANIE_A_HUNT/ School Website: http://www.arabiamtnhs.dekalb.k12.ga.us/

Course Description: The AP Literature course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding 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.

Course Objectives The AP Literature student will have the opportunity to  read critically, asking pertinent questions about what they have read, recognizing assumptions and implications, and evaluating ideas  read with understanding a range of literature that is not only rich in quality but also representative of different literary forms and historical periods  read a literary text analytically, seeing relationships between form and content  describe how language contributes both literally and figuratively to the meaning of a work, i.e., deal systematically with the “what(s)” and “how(s)” of a literary work  respond actively and imaginatively to a literary work by describing its stylistic devices  evaluating the works of literature in light of theme, entertaining alternative approaches, or dramatizing the circumstances of effects of the work  draw conclusions about the themes of a work, appraising them and speculating independently on related ideas  think reflectively about what they have read and discussed and apply findings to their own lives  value literature as an imaginative representation or truth or reality  write as a way of discovering and clarifying ideas  respond directly and efficiently to questions that require timed essays, organizing quickly and clearly, focusing on major points that provide a competent response to the question as asked and developing each point fully  use the conventions of standard written English with skill and assurance  summarize clearly and accurately the ideas of others  maintain a consistent tone through precise syntax, phrasing, and diction  collect support from secondary sources, use it judiciously, and document it accurately  direct the activities of class by taking full responsibility for teaching certain literature through panel discussions, seminars, oral book reviews, explications, etc.  explore the writer’s craft by writing original imaginative literature  recognize and apply various approaches to literary interpretation  interpret single literary works by using various critical approaches  recognize that how to think is different is different from what to think  study and use of vocabulary both in literature and in writing  develop skills that lead to thorough and independent reading and explication, criticism, and analysis of literary works.  recognize the requirements of the Advanced Placement examination and demonstrate the ability to manage both objective and essay questions, with special attention given to writing under timed, test-taking conditions.

The Exam Requirements: It is strongly recommended that you take the AP exam in May. However, if you choose NOT to take the AP exam, I will immediately notify the Guidance Department, and the AP Literature course will no longer appear on your transcript. Consider this as you apply for college acceptance. If you do successfully complete the exam in May, you can qualify for up to one year’s credit in English at the college you plan to attend.

AP Exam Grades: The Readers’ scores on the free-response questions are combined with the results of the computer-scored multiple-choice questions; the weighted raw scores are summed to give a composite score. The composite score is then converted to a grade on AP’s 5-point scale:

AP Grade Qualification 5 Extremely well qualified 4 Well qualified 3 Qualified 2 Possibly qualified 1 No recommendation

AP Exam grades of 5 are equivalent to A grades in the corresponding college course. AP Exam grades of 4 are equivalent to grades A-, B+, and B in college. AP Exam grades of 3 are equivalent to grades of B-, C+, and C in college.

Course Requirements: Advanced Placement English Literature is a very challenging and demanding course. It will require your best effort at all times. It will require you to think and write critically while using mature habits. You will be asked to continuously stretch your mind and abilities as the year progresses.

o Summer reading with essay-writing assignments o Reading logs are required for each major work (sections include information about the literary period, author biographical information, plot, quotations and significance, setting, characterization, characteristics of genre, introduction, conclusion, style, topics of discussion, themes, and symbolism, etc..) o An independent reading assignment first semester of an approved novel of literary merit o Terms Tests and Discussion Tests o Researched Critical Analysis Essays – long-term writing assignments which follow a process of outlining, drafting, revising, editing, and conferencing with teacher o Editing, discussing, and revising student writing, peer review, and revision o Minor papers o Nightly reading o Vocabulary/literary terms assignments and quizzes o Group and individual presentations o Regular class discussion of reading --novels, plays, poetry, and essays o Practice AP tests (both poetry and prose) in-class and at-home multiple choice throughout year as needed o Quizzes in reading comprehension o In-class timed writing o Reviewing sentence and paragraph types and incorporating them in a unique style o Analysis of usage, diction, syntax, and style o Individual conferences with the teacher o Editing, discussing, and revising student writing o Reading and analyzing the style and structure of model essays

Required Materials: ** Major Project dates and assignments will be announced Materials needed: College rule loose leaf notebook paper Pens (blue or black ink) One-inch binder with pockets or folder notebook with clamps and pockets Dividers Thesaurus with synonyms and antonyms

Classroom Expectations: Classroom Policies and Procedures 1. Students are to arrive on time, be seated at his/her desk and begin working on bell activity. If a student has not made it into the classroom by the end of the last bell, he/she is considered late and will be assigned detention.

2. All homework is due when the teacher collects it (at the beginning of the class period). Please do not ask if you may turn it in late or use the excuse that you left it in your locker. The teacher, who listens to excuses, sets his/her students up for difficulties later in life. As seniors, strive to be organized and prepared; for these two qualities will put you ahead of the game.

3. The policy on late work is as follows: If a student is late or absent with an excused admit, it is their responsibility to ask for and complete make up work no later than the day after he/she returns. An additional day may be added to that period of each day the student missed.

4. Research papers and long term assignments that are missed due to an absence will be counted late if the student checks in on that day and does not turn in their assignment. If a student is absent from school on the due date of a major project and the absence is excused, the project is due upon the day of return. However, if an absence is unexcused, the project will be counted one day late and will be reduced by 11 points. For every day a major grade will be reduced by 10 points per day. Please strive to plan ahead for important due dates.

If a student chooses not to complete assignments during the semester, they should not bother to plead at the end of the semester for make-up work. A zero earned during the semester due to laziness will not be made up to boost the final average, nor will extra credit be given. 5. Classroom etiquette: Talking in class while the teacher is speaking will not be tolerated, nor will talking in class while someone else has been acknowledged by the teacher to speak (of course by raising his/her hand).

6. Profanity will not be tolerated at any time, whether directed to the teacher, another student or simply used in casual conversation between students.

7. Hall passes will not be issued unless there is an emergency. No hall passes will be issued 20 minutes after the bell or 20 minutes prior to the bell ringing.

8. All students are expected to follow all classroom rules. Any student exercising improper behavior, or failing to follow the rules will receive a reprimand. If the reprimand does not solve the problem, a phone call to the parent will be made by the teacher and depending on the seriousness of the offense; a referral will be submitted to the Assistant Principal in charge of discipline. Attendance and Participation  You are expected to come to class prepared to discuss assigned readings, share your written work, and comment constructively on your classmates’ work.  Your attendance in class is crucial. Frequent absences will adversely affect your grade.  Absences do not excuse you from due dates; you are responsible for keeping up with readings and assignments.  Come to class on time! If you are habitually late, we will need to set up a meeting to discuss your continued success and participation in this course.  Perpetually unprepared students will need to meet with me concerning the continued participation in this course.

Etiquette: Although you are a senior, you may still need to be reminded of how you should behave in a classroom setting.  Please leave your cell phone in your locker before you come to class.  Please come to class on time, and if you are late due to an emergency, please do not interrupt me or others as you enter. It is your responsibility to meet with me at my convenience to find out what you missed.  Please do not begin packing your books before class is over.  Please do not take class time to discuss an issue that is relevant only to you (e.g. questions about your grade, explanations for lateness or absence, etc). These and other personal matters are more appropriately dealt with during my office time or via email.  If you miss a class, please contact me via email to see what you missed. This is your responsibility.  Show respect for other’s opinions.  Do not use profanity or disparaging language regarding homosexuals and people with handicapping conditions. You know what words I am talking about. You are a senior in high school. Using language that I reference here makes you appear ignorant, insensitive and prejudice. Be careful.

Paper Format: All essay drafts must follow the following guidelines:  All drafts must be word-processed (or typed). Print hard copies of all your work. Save and back-up your work every 15 minutes. Computer mishap is not an acceptable excuse for late or “lost” papers.  Papers must be double spaced, in standard Times Roman, 12 point font size and with one-inch margins.  Essays must follow MLA documentation guidelines

Helpful suggestions:  Do not use the first or second person point of view.  Don’t be afraid to cut, cut and cut when you write.  Follow MLA style.  Care about what you write.  Consider your audience.  Cite sources.  Do not plagiarize.  Include a works cited page with each draft.  Proofread/edit on a hard copy and not on the computer screen.  Read your writing and read it aloud when you proofread.  Go to the library.  Ask for help when you need it.  Do not procrastinate.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of claiming someone else’s words and ideas as your own. Consequences for plagiarism range from a failing grade on the paper to possible out of school suspension. This is a serious offense, and serious consequences will be given to offenders. In college, students can face expulsion for plagiarism.

Course Outline:

Novel and Research Paper

Aug.—Dec. Introduction to AP English Literature Introduction to the Senior Project AP Exam Preparation and Practice Discussion and Upcoming Reading Assignments: Cry, The Beloved Country Heart of Darkness The Count of Monte Cristo The Metamorphosis Frankenstein Passage to India Song of Solomon Dr. Faustus Great Expectations Invisible Man Beowulf A Tale of Two Cities Beloved Pygmalion 1984 Other novels and plays deemed appropriate by the instructor Senior Project Research Paper

Poetry and Short Fiction

Jan.—March Grendel Macbeth The Portrait of Dorian Gray Black Boy Native Son Their Eyes Were Watching God Lord of the Flies The Importance of Being Earnest The Bluest Eye The Awakening The Color Purple A Streetcar Named Desire The Glass Menagerie The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Poetry Poetry and Short Fiction from varied sources Poetry and Short Fiction from The New Yorker Poetry Project

Drama and AP Exam

April—May Hamlet Othello A Streetcar Named Desire

Preparation for taking AP Exam

Senior Project EIC Projects Long Range and Ongoing Assignments

1. Research Paper 2. Senior Project 3. AP Practice Tests and Review  English Literature Close Reading and Analytic Writing  5 Steps to a 5: AP Literature