English II – AP Language/Composition Course Syllabus Mr. Thomas

Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes. – Oscar Wilde

Email: [email protected] School Website: http://www.houstonisd.org/WestsideHS School Phone: 281.920.8000 Conference Period: 3rd Period

Projected Texts (Semester One):

An Amazon link will be created for your convenience as the year progresses. Adequate time will be allowed for students to secure outside books. While students may obtain books from most libraries, close reading strategies are best developed when the student is able to mark in his own personal copy. Books can be obtained by purchasing them, borrowing them from the library, or some are even free online:

The Crucible-Arthur Miller The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn- Mark Twain In Cold Blood- Truman Capote The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald Selected Short Stories/Rhetorical Essays

Course Description Highlights as provided from CollegeBoard: The AP English Language and Composition course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. In addition to the CollegeBoard description, I strive to teach students to read primary and secondary sources carefully in order to meld sources into their own compositions and discussions. We live in a media-rich society. Students will also study the rhetoric of visual media: photographs, film, ads, political cartoons, contemporary videos. The ultimate goal of this course is college readiness- I will work to challenge your thoughts, assumptions, and beliefs in such a way as to produce intelligent, 21st century citizens.

Incorporating the state English III TEKS as well as other critical reading and thinking skills, AP English Language and Composition students will:  Learn to sustain discussion of topics in language and American culture and frame cogent arguments in debates about current issues and American literature.  Learn to respond personally and reflectively to a range of literature, focusing primarily on American literature. They will learn to independently analyze, summarize, and interpret the works they encounter, expressing their responses in creative and expository writing.  Learn to research within an area of inquiry and publish essays of personal interest for a variety of audiences. They will master a writing process and will develop the knowledge and strategies needed for editing their own and others’ work in peer critiques.  Recognize the cultural context of language, both past and present, especially understanding the various conventions within language that reflect that context.  Apply their writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills in completing independent and group projects within their areas of inquiry.  Gain familiarity with the types of questions and expectations for answers on the AP Language and Composition Exam.  Expand vocabulary to better equip the student to communicate orally and in written form at a higher level. Required Supplies:  Sturdy three-ring binder with 6 dividers  Pens/pencils (Blue/Black) (Dedicated solely for yearlong Synthesis Project)  College-rule lined paper for binder (not tear-out  One pack 3x5 Notecards spiral notebooks)  One spiral/composition book for class notes  Folder/Binder (Small) for class handouts  Multi-Colored highlighters (pink, orange, yellow, and green)

Classroom Expectations:  Respect o Others o Yourself o Your teacher o Your school

Grading Policy (NOTE: The AP Lang/Comp course has a different grading ratio than WHS)  There will be a minimum of 6 minor grades and 3 major grades per nine weeks.  Six-Weeks Grade Weight: o 20% Class Participation/Homework o 30% Quizzes/Classwork o 50% Tests/Projects/Essays  Late Work:

o Minor: accepted up to ONE week late for a maximum grade of 70 (Note: Classwork reviewed in class cannot be submitted late- an alternate makeup assignment will be provided) o Major: accepted up to THREE days late (Not accepted after three days) One day late: maximum grade of 70 Two days late: maximum grade of 60 Three days late: maximum grade of 50  Semester Grade: o 1st six-weeks grade 25% o 2nd six-weeks grade 25% o 3rd six-weeks grade 25% o Semester exam grade 25%

Tardy Policy: Unless they have a pass, students are tardy if they are not in the classroom and prepared to work when the bell rings. They should immediately begin their Warm-Up, which will be on the board. Note, teachers will follow the outlined tardy policy in the Westside Way. Tardy information can be found at: http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/64500

Electronic Devices

Students may use e-readers and cell phones when the teacher says it is appropriate to do so, and when using the phone is directly related to the lesson. Phones must be silent at all times, and texting during class is strictly prohibited. Headphones and ear buds are also prohibited.

Tutorials: Tutorials will be offered at the following times: - Mr. Thomas: E122. Tuesday 7:15am; Thursday lunch

Retake Policy: Upon failing any non-project major grades, students have the option of retesting (once) in order to bring their grade up to a 70 if they complete the following within 1 week of receiving the grade:

 Attend 2 tutorials  Submit signed parent retake form  Complete corrections/rewrites where assigned.

Individual Reading Assignment (IRA):

In order to keep up with the changing climate of contemporary literature, each six weeks the AP students will be required to read a contemporary novel from a list provided by the teacher and submit a typed 2 page analysis for a major grade at the end of the grading period. Analysis will be recorded in the Synthesis Binder. Book selections and essay prompts will be provided at the beginning of each term.

Absence Policy:  The student is responsible for getting missing work on the day that he/she returns to school. Most handouts will be posted on the website under homework. Students are expected to check the website.  A student is expected to take a missed exam or quiz on the day that he/she returns to class.  If a student is absent the day(s) before a previously announced quiz or exam, he/she is still expected to take the quiz/exam, because the student had advanced notice. Parents/Guardians:

To acknowledge that you have read and understood this course’s syllabus, please either:

1) Fill out this form and return it to your child, who will then give it to me or 2) Send me an email with your child’s full name, class period, and the below information

Please regularly check the class website for the most up-to-date information on what we will be doing each week. I will post the week’s calendar by prior to the start of each week. This should help you to keep track of what your students are doing (or should be doing).

I look forward to a great year with your child. Feel free to contact me for any reason at any time. Email is the fastest way to reach me. If I am still at school, I will respond that day as soon as is reasonably possible, but as per WHS policy, I will respond to all questions within 2 school days.

Sincerely,

Billy Thomas ------

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