AP Language and Composition
Course Description
As part of your English experience, you will be required to achieve the following objectives:
1. Master the fundamentals of college level essay writing
2. Recognize rhetorical devices and strategies in writing
3. Respond to elements of persuasive writing and argument
4. Construct valid arguments supported by evidence
5. Critically and creatively think and respond
6. Expand word fluency
7. Master writing conventions
In English class, we will be using a combination of activities to meet our objectives. These activities will include the following topics of study:
- Literature: literary terms and elements of literature (plot, character, setting, narrator, voice, theme, etc.)
- Non-fiction: essays; autobiographies; editorials
- Writing: formal and informal
- Grammar: proper usage and sentence structure
- Editing: both self and peer editing
- Vocabulary: academic, content-based, and college ready vocabulary
- Oral Presentations: several presentations throughout the course on various topics in literature
- Research Skills: MLA style guide requirements; proper citation practices; plagiarism
- AP Test: prepare for AP Lang & Comp test
English 11 Standards
This class addresses the California State Standards for 11th Grade English, including:
1.0 WORD ANALYSIS, FLUENCY, AND VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
Students apply knowledge of word origins to determine word meaning.
2.0 READING COMPREHENSION
Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material and analyze organizational patterns, arguments, and literary devices.
3.0 LITERARY RESPONSE AND ANALYSIS
Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses.
1.0 WRITING STRATEGIES
Students write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument.
2.0 WRITING APPLICATIONS
Students combine the rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of at least 1500 words. Writing demonstrates a command of standard American English
1.0 LISTENING AND SPEAKING STRATEGIES
Students deliver focused and coherent presentations that convey clear and distinct perspectives and demonstrate clear reasoning.
Grading
Student grades will be point based divided upon the following categories:
· Homework and Class work
· Tests and Quizzes
· Projects and reports (group and individual)
· Written assessments
· Participation
Homework and Late Work
Homework will include grammar and vocabulary practice, reading, writing, and research. Students will be given a due date for homework when it is assigned. Homework is to be turned in at the beginning of class. After the beginning of class, the work will be considered late.
Work will be accepted up to one week late. However, late work is only able to receive a 70%.
Redos
Students will be able to redo summative assessments that received a 70% or lower, but can only improve the grade to a 70%. In order for students to redo an assignment, the student must make an appointment with the teacher to discuss difficulties with the content and the process of redoing the assessment. Redos are available within one week of the assessment being returned to the student.
Absences and Make-up Work
Regular attendance is crucial for success in this course. When you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to discover what was covered while you were gone. Class lesson outlines are located in the class binder. Failure to make-up work or turn in work after an excused absence will result in a zero. You are given the same amount of days to make up your work as you missed (for example, if you were absent two class sessions, you have two class sessions to turn in missing work). I will not remind you. It is your responsibility! If you have questions about missed work, you may discuss this with me before or after school, or during lunch, but not during class.
Required Class Materials
- Notebook AND Binder solely dedicated to English class
- Binder paper
- Pens (blue or black and red for editing), highlighters (green, yellow, pink, blue)
- Calendar, or planner (a place to keep track of homework assignments and due dates)
- Access to computer and internet for research, projects, and papers
Student Expectations
§ Attend class everyday and be on time
§ Be prepared and organized for class
§ Participate in class activities and complete all assignments
§ Demonstrate proper etiquette towards all people and objects!
Please Note: Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in class. They will be confiscated if seen. If cell phone use is a consistent problem, phone calls home will be made, followed by further repercussions. Also, Students must adhere to MKHS dress code, behavioral, and tardy policies. Please visit the MKHS website to view such policies. http://mkhs.org
Units of Study
Unit A: What is an Argument?
This introductory unit will establish student understanding of arguments and persuasive communication purpose, forms, and techniques. Rhetorical devices, literary devices, analysis, and writing conventions will be the primary focus. This unit is the essential foundation for the units to follow.
Sources: “Everything’s An Argument”
Assessments:
-Teach-the-class presentations
-Argument Analysis
-Unit Exam: Rhetorical devices mastery
Unit B: How do words affect the world?
This unit will have a non-fiction concentration using articles, speeches, political cartoons, etc. to analysis arguments, fallacies, evidence, appeals, author, audience, tone, mood, and other literary devices. Also, this unit will have a substantial focus on the November elections.
Sources: “Everything’s An Argument”
Assessments:
-Multimedia presentation: analysis of Political Cartoon (writing standard 2.6)
-Presidential resumes (writing standard 2.5)
-Reflective Composition – Election 2012 (writing standard 2.3)
Unit C: Who or What defines me?
Students will examine, analyze, and critically respond to articles, political cartoons, and media images from historical and present-day sources like the film and music industry, media outlets, and literature .
Sources:
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“Everything’s An Argument”
Assessments:
-Group Presentation – Perceptions from the Media
-Personal Response writing and multi-media presentation (writing standards 2.3 and 2.6)
-Critical analysis of societal conceptions.
Unit D: Does History repeat itself?
Non-fiction is an essential aspect of literature and communication. Daily, news and information is transmitted via news media sources. Also, non-fiction literature offers proof that reality is a story being told as we live it.
Sources: The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
“Everything’s An Argument”
Assessments:
- Historical Investigations Research paper: American Witch Hunts (writing standard 2.4)
-MLA format, citations.Upcoming Assignments See all
Could not find any upcoming assignments due.