COURSE OVERVIEW
The AP English Literature & Composition course is an intensive, college level course that challenges you to read analytically, write effectively and think critically. You will be trained to memorize literary terms and use them to analyze various genres, such as fiction, poetry, drama and nonfiction. We will study mostly British writers from the 16th century to contemporary times, but American works will also be studied for analysis. In addition to novels, drama and poetry, we will study selected short stories to provide opportunities for critical writing practice and analysis.
GRADING
Composition – 40%
All essays assigned will be graded according to the rubric given by the College Board. Analytical papers will be expected of novels, plays, poetry, and short fiction. In class essays will be given at least once a week, and may include AP timed writing or a response to a selected quote or theme from the reading. These will also be graded with the rubric given by the College Board.
Participation – 20%
This category includes such things as in class discussions, debates, presentations, and regular contributions to our online discussion forum via shrubber.weebly.com.
Quizzes/Tests – 20%
Quizzes will be given occasionally to monitor reading comprehension and completion of assignments. Quizzes will also be given on AP terms that may occur on the exam. Tests will be given on larger units and will be comprehensive.
Midterm/Final – 20%
This exam given each quarter will be comprehensive for the works studied during that quarter. It will include a comprehensive multiple choice component as well as a writing component. You can expect to see new works on the exam to test your analytical abilities as you prepare for the AP exam.
* * *
Essays:
Essays must be typed in Microsoft Word using 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced with one-inch margins, and saved in Compatibility mode. All essays should be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] by midnight of the date the assignment is due. A late assignment will result in a lower grade. You will also receive your graded essay with teacher comments via e-mail. Hard copies or flash drives will not be accepted.
Participation:
You have an opportunity to receive 5 participation points each day. Coming to class on-time and prepared - e.g. with required text, notebooks, pen, etc. - will result in two points. Contributing at least twice to small-group or whole-class discussions - e.g. asking or responding to questions, sharing reactions to your peers' ideas or the text - will result in an additional three points.
However, you may also lose points:
If you choose not to speak during a given class period, you can make-up a maximum of two points by making additional posts to the Discussion Board section of this page.
All essays assigned will be graded according to the rubric given by the College Board. Analytical papers will be expected of novels, plays, poetry, and short fiction. In class essays will be given at least once a week, and may include AP timed writing or a response to a selected quote or theme from the reading. These will also be graded with the rubric given by the College Board.
Participation – 20%
This category includes such things as in class discussions, debates, presentations, and regular contributions to our online discussion forum via shrubber.weebly.com.
Quizzes/Tests – 20%
Quizzes will be given occasionally to monitor reading comprehension and completion of assignments. Quizzes will also be given on AP terms that may occur on the exam. Tests will be given on larger units and will be comprehensive.
Midterm/Final – 20%
This exam given each quarter will be comprehensive for the works studied during that quarter. It will include a comprehensive multiple choice component as well as a writing component. You can expect to see new works on the exam to test your analytical abilities as you prepare for the AP exam.
* * *
Essays:
Essays must be typed in Microsoft Word using 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced with one-inch margins, and saved in Compatibility mode. All essays should be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] by midnight of the date the assignment is due. A late assignment will result in a lower grade. You will also receive your graded essay with teacher comments via e-mail. Hard copies or flash drives will not be accepted.
Participation:
You have an opportunity to receive 5 participation points each day. Coming to class on-time and prepared - e.g. with required text, notebooks, pen, etc. - will result in two points. Contributing at least twice to small-group or whole-class discussions - e.g. asking or responding to questions, sharing reactions to your peers' ideas or the text - will result in an additional three points.
However, you may also lose points:
- Speaking out of turn, or otherwise showing disrespect for your classmates (-1 point)
- Engaging in side conversations/whispering to neighbor (-1 point)
- Use of unapproved electronic devices (-2 points)
- Violating the SMIC dress-code policy (-3 points)
- Doing homework for another class (-5 points)
- Using your desk as a pillow (-5 points)
- Eating in the classroom (-5 points)
If you choose not to speak during a given class period, you can make-up a maximum of two points by making additional posts to the Discussion Board section of this page.