Course Syllabus

AP Language and Composition Course Syllabus

Cuthbertson High School                                                                                                             

Room F113                                                                                                                                           

Mrs. Mitchell

Phone: (704) 296-0105                                                                               

Email: jennifer.mitchell@ucps.k12.nc.us

Website: Check Canvas                                                             

Tutoring: During Cavalier Period, By Appointment

 

AP English Language & Composition

Course Overview

The objectives for this course are in alignment with the North Carolina Common Core Standards for A.P. English Language & Composition and the A.P. English Language and Composition Course description published by the College Board.  This course is designed on a college-level, and students are expected to perform accordingly. 

 

Students will write for varied audiences through narration, description, exemplification, process, cause and effect, comparison and contrast, classification and division, definition, and argumentation writing.  Students will also become familiar with the MLA style of writing, which is utilized at the college level.  Students will learn how to write confidently with effectiveness in presenting their ideas in a cohesive manner.  This course is designed to allow students to develop an appreciation for rhetoric and the English language as a whole.  Students will learn how to analyze writings and images from numerous sources through extensive readings, reflections, and writing assignments. 

 

Per the AP College Board, students will become “skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts.”  Students will read extensively and be expected to critically analyze these works on a collegiate level.  The non-fiction texts and supplementary materials utilized in this class are chosen based on thematic units, which fulfill all of the A.P. English & Language Composition requirements and are listed at the end of this course syllabus.  Students may be granted college credit and be placed out of introductory level college courses by performing well and demonstrating competence on the A.P. English Language and Composition Exam .

Big Ideas

  1. Rhetorical Situation: Individuals write within a particular situation and make strategic writing choices based on that situation.
  1. Claims and Evidence: Writers make claims about subjects, rely on evidence that supports the reasoning that justifies the claim, and often acknowledge or respond to other, possibly opposing, arguments.
  1. Reasoning and Organization: Writers guide understanding of a text’s lines of reasoning and claims through that text’s organization and integration of evidence.
  1. Style: The rhetorical situation informs the strategic stylistic choices that writers make.

 

 

 

Curricular Requirements

CR1

The course is structured by unit, theme, genre, or other organizational approach that provides opportunities to engage with the big ideas throughout the course: Rhetorical Situation, Claims and Evidence, Reasoning and Organization, Style.

CR2

The course requires an emphasis on nonfiction readings (e.g., essays, journalism, political writing, science writing, nature writing, autobiographies/biographies, diaries, history, criticism) that are selected to give students opportunities to identify and explain an author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques.

CR3

The course provides opportunities for students to develop the skills in Skill Category 1 – Rhetorical Situation

(Reading): Explain how writers’ choices reflect the components of the rhetorical situation.

CR4

The course provides opportunities for students to develop the skills in Skill Category 2 – Rhetorical Situation

(Writing): Make strategic choices in a text to address a rhetorical situation.

CR5

The course provides opportunities for students to develop the skills in Skill Category 3 – Claims and Evidence

(Reading): Identify and describe the claims and evidence of an argument.

CR6

The course provides opportunities for students to develop the skills in Skill Category 4 – Claims and Evidence

(Writing): Analyze and select evidence to develop and refine a claim.

CR7

The course provides opportunities for students to develop the skills in Skill Category 5 – Reasoning and Organization

(Reading): Describe the reasoning, organization, and development of an argument.

CR8

The course provides opportunities for students to develop the skills in Skill Category 6 – Reasoning and Organization

(Writing): Use organization and commentary to illuminate the line of reasoning in an argument.

CR9

The course provides opportunities for students to develop the skills in Skill Category 7 – Style

(Reading): Explain how writers’ stylistic choices contribute  to the purpose of an argument.

CR10

The course provides opportunities for students to develop the skills in Skill Category 8 – Style (Writing): Select words and use elements of composition to advance an argument.

CR11

The course provides opportunities for students to write argumentative essays synthesizing material from a variety of sources.

CR12

The course provides opportunities for students to write essays analyzing authors’ rhetorical choices.

CR13

The course provides opportunities for students to write essays that proceed through multiple stages or drafts, including opportunities for conferring and collaborating with teacher and/or peers.

 

  1. Reviews
  2. Vocabulary—Each unit requires students to build a rich vocabulary.

We will have weekly vocabulary reviews.  Students will be responsible for knowing and being able to apply all of these words throughout the year. 

  1. Reading—Students must read the material in order to develop strong comprehension and critical

reading skills.  Reading Reviews will be periodically given to ensure this process occurs.

  1. Grammar/Language—Reviews based on warm-up exercises, syntax discussions, and

rhetorical terminology will be given periodically throughout the semester.

 

  1. Tests/Exams
  2. Over units, readings, etc.
  3. Formal Writings
  4. Portfolio
  5. Projects
  6. They will be given throughout the semester.
  1. Online Tools
  2. AP Classroom

                        Students must join the online AP Classroom by using the passcode given in class.  Students will complete progress checks throughout the semester.

  1. Albertio.com

                        Students must join the class by using the passcode given in class.  Students will completed assigned review activities through the semester.

  1. Vocabulary.com

                        Students must join the class by using the passcode given in class.  Students will complete the assigned vocabulary.com list each week.  The list must be completed by midnight each Friday.  The words will be uploaded the Friday before, and students will have one week to complete the assignment.  This will be a cumulative quiz grade at the end of each six weeks.

  1. Readtheories

                        Students must join the class by using the passcode given in class.  Students will complete two readtheories each week.  By the end of each six week grading period, the student must have completed a minimum of twelve readtheories and be at a specific grade level.  This will be a cumulative quiz grade at the end of each six weeks.

 

 

 

  1. Formatting of Assignments

Typed Paper Format

  • Formal essays must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman, double spaced with one inch margins in all directions. MLA formatting is required.  Paragraphs should be indented with no additional space between paragraphs.
  • Papers must have a proper and complete MLA heading at all times. On the left list:
    • First and last name
    • The words “AP English Language and Composition”
    • Mitchell
    • First Block
  • Please list a title for each assignment on the top center area of the paper.
  • All typed papers should have student’s last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner
  • Content, punctuation, grammar, spelling, and form are standards of grading all written work.

 

Written Assignment Format

  • First and Last name in the upper right corner
  • The abbreviation “AP Lang.”
  • Class period
  • Date
  • The assignment title in the center
  • Always use loose leaf notebook paper
  • ALWAYS write in dark blue or black ink.

 

  1. Weighted Grades/Scale

Grading Scale

A=90-100

B=80-89

C=70-79

D=60-69

F=50-59

  1. The Timed Writings

On Demands

During the semester, students will complete between 16-18 timed writings.  These will be completed in class, and students will have a 40 minute time period to complete each essay. 

  1. I will provide you with a manila folder in which ALL of your timed writes will be kept. This is extremely important: You are to NEVER take the folder or any timed writes out of the room.
  1. Always use loose leaf paper for timed writes (not paper from a spiral).
  2. ALWAYS write in dark blue or black ink. You will lose points if you use anything else.
  3. Always place your response in front of the prompt and staple them together.
  4. For timed writes only, write on the front of the paper only. You may write on the back for all other assignments unless otherwise instructed.
  1. After the time is up, staple the prompt to the back of your response and turn in to the box.
  2. When your paper is returned, record the information (prompt type, title, score, and reflection) on your AP Writing Scorecard in your timed writing folder.
  1. Place prompt in folder and return.

Scoring

I will score the essays on a scale of 1-6 using the specified rubrics from The College Board.  The rubric is available on Canvas and the College Board website. These essays will be averaged into a combined score for a test grade each six weeks.  Essay Writing

 

Essay Grading All essays will be graded at an AP standard. The grade scale is from 1-6; since there is an expectation of improvement as students progress through the course, grade equivalents will change each quarter. 

 

Essay Score

 

Rough AP Exam grade

 

Class grade Equivalent  First Six Weeks

 

Class grade Equivalent  Second Six Weeks

 

Class grade Equivalent Third Six Weeks

 

6

5

95-100

95-100

95-100

5

4

88-94

86-94

83-94

4

3

80-87

76-85

71-82

2-3

2

70-79

66-75

61-70

0-1

1

60-69

60-65

50-60

*A Points System is used for Grading

*The use of +, solid number, or – will indicate points assigned.   Ex: 6+, 6, or 6-

 

                       

  1. Things To Know and Remember

Tutoring

Students are expected and encouraged to attend tutoring to reach their maximum success in the class.  Tutoring is also available upon student request every day, except Wednesday, before and after school. Cavalier Period is also open for tutoring. If students wish to review previous tests/quizzes, students must attend a tutoring session for review. 

 

Late Work

*Late homework is not accepted

*Late major assignments will have a ten percent reduction each day it is late.

*Major assignments more than five days late will not be accepted and will result in a zero.

You have enough time to work on these assignments to find a solution before it is due.  You need to plan ahead and prepare.  Assume technology will not work at some point, so make sure it is done BEFORE the due date. 

·Computer/printer issues, sports, activities, other assignments, etc. should be taken into account when completing assignments to ensure assignments are completed on time. 

  • Remember, you can print in the Media Center for 5 cents per page. If you need to print, bring your money AND plan your time carefully. You will not be excused for tardies due to printing.  Take computer/printer issues into consideration before assignments are due. 
  • If there is some type of extenuating circumstance, you must call/email/see me about the issue, before the assignment is due, to find a solution.  Everyone has things going on, so you need to plan accordingly.  It is your responsibility.
  • If you have computer issues, you need to see Desktop Engineer in the media center.
  • This is a college course, and students are to complete work accordingly.

 

Absences

*If you have missed a quiz, test, or another assignment that cannot be taken home, see me to schedule a time to make up the assignment within the two day make-up county policy.

*You are still accountable for assignments given prior to the absence and must meet the original deadline. 

*If a test or assignment is announced in advance, and you are absent the day before, you are still expected to take the test/turn in the assignment on the day you return.

*If a quiz/test/assignment is not completed, a zero will be entered into the gradebook until the quiz/test/assignment is completed. 

*If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed at an appropriate moment-check Canvas first, then ask.

Notes

*Daily classwork and homework is posted each day on the board and Canvas.

*A Points Grading System is used.

 *Take care of using the restroom/grooming/errands BEFORE class.

 

Expectations

  1. Obey all school rules and policies!
  2. Be prepared. Bring required materials (book(s), notebook, paper, pen/pencil, etc.) everyday, unless otherwise directed.
  1. Listen to and follow directions
  2. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak or move
  3. Talk only when it is permitted. When you make comments during class, please make sure that the comments are appropriate, polite, and relevant.  Do not interrupt the teacher or other students. Do not have side conversations—they are distracting.  Do not talk when your classmates are working quietly—again, distracting.
  1. Do not sleep in class! Do not even put your head on your desk!  If your head is on your desk, it looks like you are sleeping, even if you are not.  So, never ever put your head on the desk. 
  1. No personal grooming in the classroom.

            (No make-up, mirrors, brushes, combs, lotions, perfume, etc. should put on/taken out in class)

  1. No working on assignments from other classes, writing personal notes, etc. If I see you working on homework from other classes or writing personal notes, these will be taken away from you and kept.
  1. No cell phones/electronic devices are to be used.
  2. Have a good attitude, be kind, respect yourself and others, and do your best each day.

**The purpose of these expectations is to establish a safe, supportive, nurturing classroom which allows learning to take place.**

 

Cheating is A Big No, No!!

Intellectual dishonesty can be found in many forms, is wrong, and is not allowed. 

Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:

*Copying someone else’s work.  Do your own work!

*Giving answers to a classmate or asking classmates for answers

*Taking credit for something you did not do

*Looking at or sharing answers while taking a quiz, test, etc.

*Working together with someone when directed to work on the assignment individually.  All

      assignments are individual unless otherwise directed.  (You will be told when you are able to work with someone else on projects, assignments, etc.)  Never assume you may work with another student without my explicit direction or permission.  If you have a question, ask me, not another student.    

 Failure to comply results in the assumption that you are cheating!

*Buying essays, assignments, etc.

*Informing other students about contents of quizzes, tests, etc.

*Allowing someone else, including those on the Internet, to do your work

*Forgetting to document sources (Example: Not including someone else’s ideas without citations, quotation marks, etc.)

*There may be other incidences not listed here, but the meaning still applies.  DO NOT CHEAT!!

These actions will result in a zero on the assignment, parental/guardian contact, and administration contact.

Consequences

1) Verbal Warning

2) Detention-20 minutes after school

3) Call Home

4) Referral

*Severe actions will be immediately referred 

 

 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is taking someone else’s ideas, notes, answers, etc. and portraying it as your own.  In college, if you plagiarize, you can be expelled from the university.  Academic dishonesty is cheating.  If you copy from a published work, you must give credit to that source through an MLA citation and works cited page.  You must do your own, original work.  Everything assigned in class is to be done on an individual basis, unless groups are specifically permitted for a particular assignment.  Unless otherwise stated, all work is on an individual basis.  You are not allowed to copy from someone else, neither a professional nor your best friend.  If you plagiarize, or are caught cheating, you will receive a zero (0) for that assignment, even if it is a test.  An office referral will also be made in cases of academic dishonesty.  Please see the CHS Academic Integrity Policy for additional information. 

 

  1. What do you need to bring and do!

Required Materials

  • 1 inch, 3-Ring Binder
  • 1-Package of Divider Tabs Labeled

AP Test Notes, Reading Reflections, Returned Work

  • 2-Packages of College-Ruled Paper
  • 1-Composition Book (for daybook)
  • Computer
  • Pencils/Pens
  • Highlighters
  • A positive, can do attitude!!
  1. Resources for Class Development

Course Texts

Abdon, Brandon. et al. English Language and Composition. Perfection Learning, 2021. 

Kennedy, X.J. et al. The Bedford Reader.  12th ed.  Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2014. 

Roskelly, Hephzibah and David A Jolliffe.  Everyday Use: Rhetoric at Work in Reading and Writing. 

            Pearson, 2005.

  

AP College Board

AP Classroom

AP Website

 

*I reserve the right to make changes and adjustments to this course syllabus

as needed throughout the course of the semester.