James E. Taylor High School

James E. Taylor High School English IV AP Literature & Composition Course Syllabus 2015-2016

INSTRUCTOR: ______ROOM: ______E-MAIL: ______PHONE: ______

Course Introduction:

Welcome to AP Literature & Composition! This a unique class designed for students who desire a college level English experience in their senior year and who would like to receive college credit for the experience. The AP course will be both intellectually rigorous and stimulating. Expect to critically read thousands of pages in novels, plays, and poetry from ancient to contemporary times and to complete long and short analytical essays both in and out of class. As a culmination to the course, students will be expected to take the AP English Literature and Composition Exam given in May.

Course Description/AP Standards:

An AP English Literature and Composition 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 languages, symbolism and tone. (Composed from: College Board Introduction, May 2007-2008).

AP English Expectations:

• The ability to read accurately • The ability to engage in intelligent discussion, active listening and constructive speaking • The desire to learn more than the obvious or superficial • A sense of responsibility sufficient to keep up with the individual workload and to contribute meaningfully to class • The willingness to accept a variety of answers or unresolved questions as starting points for further thinking and exploring of ideas in works of literature 2

• Either a good basic command of language or the willingness to work hard to catch up with students who possess such a skill

Simply put, AP students should enjoy reading excellent literature and exploring and writing about the ideas presented in this literature. You are expected to make a commitment to this class in addition to the many other commitments and demands on your time during this senior year.

Required Texts and Materials:

In the AP Literature and Composition course, students must provide their own copy of the various novels and plays used in the course. You may purchase copies from a local new or used bookstore or from an online book source. All titles may also be found in the local library branches. You will be given ample time during the year to purchase the novel/play. With technology advancements numerous pieces of literature are available as an electronic source, however, we REQUIRE that ALL the pieces of literature are in paper form so that students can annotate and make literary notes during class discussions and outside reading.

Summer Reading: How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines- Thomas C. Foster In this practical and amusing guide to literature, Thomas C. Foster shows how easy and gratifying it is to unlock those hidden truths, and to discover a world where a road leads to a quest; a shared meal may signify a communion; and rain, whether cleansing or destructive, is never just rain. Ranging from major themes to literary models, narrative devices, and form, How to Read Literature Like a Professor is the perfect companion for making your reading experience more enriching, satisfying, and fun.

First Semester Overview (Subject to Change):  Summer Reading Assignment, How to Read Literature Like a Professor. A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines- Thomas C. Foster  Writing Boot Camp  Recognizing Literary Elements  Writing the Analytical Essay  Research (Novel of Choice)  The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde  Frankenstein, Mary Shelley  Turn of the Screw, Henry James 3

 Selected Poetry  Selected Short Stories  AP Test Practice

Second Semester Overview (Subject to Change):  Full AP Practice Test  AP Multiple Choice  AP Essay Techniques  AP Grading/Sample Essays  Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen  Hamlet, William Shakespeare  As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner  Selected Poetry  Selected Short Stories  AP Test Review  Film and Graphic Novels as Literature Required Materials:  (1) Composition/Spiral Notebook  (1) Pocket Folder with brads (not black)  (1) USB Flash Drive  (2) Perforated White/Yellow (LEGAL) Size Writing Pad  (1) Box of Kleenex  (1) Ream of White Copy Paper  Highlighters  Pens/Pencils  Markers/Map Colors Grading: Per the Katy ISD Grading and Reporting Handbook, assignment types will be weighted in the following manner:  Daily Work/Homework: 10%  Quizzes: 20%  Major Essays/Projects/Tests: 70% Note: Late Work is NOT accepted. This is a college classroom and class expectations are a higher standard. (Extenuating circumstances will be examined). 4

General House Rules: I know you are seniors in High School, but we expect to treat you as college students- mature thinking, responsible adults-but there are rules that apply to the school and the classroom alike. Please keep them in mind as you come to the classroom each day:  Be prepared for class. This includes having assignments ready, materials with you, and the book that we are currently studying  Be on time for class  Please be respectful of me and of your fellow classmates  Please keep the classroom clean  Adhere to ALL the THS and KISD Handbook Policies/Procedures Writing Assignment Policy:  ALL writing assignments/research papers will follow MLA (Modern Language Association) Format. If you are NOT familiar with MLA please make an extensive effort to educate yourself on this particular format because we will be using it through the year.  Cheating/Plagiarism is NOT accepted. College courses are very serious when it comes to plagiarism and I do not accept this behavior in the course. Course Work:  Six Week Calendars will be built each six weeks and posted on Teacher Web  Teacher Web will host majority of the classwork, calendars, upcoming needed novels, and other information for the course Important Information/Links:  College Board: www.collegeboard.org  The College Essay: www.princetonreview.com/college/essay.aspx  Katy ISD: www.katyisd.org  Turnitin.com: www.turnitin.com  Dictionary: www.dictionary.com  Poetry: www.poethunter.com

Signature Portion: 5

Please sign and date BOTH portions listed below. YOU will KEEP portion (A) and CUT and RETURN portion (B) to the teacher. Thank you for reading and understanding the guidelines and expectations for this course. I am looking forward to working with each of you.

AP Literature & Composition Team

Portion (A)

I have read and understand the syllabus for AP Literature and Composition. I understand the requirements for the class and agree to abide by the rules and expectations.

Student Signature: ______

Student Name (Print): ______

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______

Parent/Guardian Name (Print): ______

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Portion (B)

I have read and understand the syllabus for AP Literature and Composition. I understand the requirements for the class and agree to abide by the rules and expectations.