AP English Literature and Composition
Course Syllabus
Course Description
AP English Literature and Composition, designed to meet curricular requirements described in the College Board’s AP English Course Description, is a challenging course for highly motivated students who especially enjoy reading, writing, talking, and thinking about literature.
Our readings will include selections from a wide variety of authors, genres, styles, and periods ranging from Greek drama to the Victorian novel to contemporary poetry. Be aware that some of the works are difficult; many will demand multiple close readings. The literature we will read, however, will have ample depth and richness to repay the reader’s efforts.
We will do a variety of kinds of writing in the course, including writing to understand, writing to explain, and writing to evaluate. Students should recognize that writing is a mental discipline that can be at times fun, frustrating, illuminating, or inspiring.
As we think about and discuss literature and our writing, we will do well to remember that we all have meaningful contributions to make to the class as a whole and to each other’s success as individuals.
Of course, a major objective of the class is for each student to take and pass the AP English Literature and Composition exam in May.
Reading Assignments
As mentioned above, the course will require a great deal of reading; after all, it is equivalent to a college-level literature class. In order for the class to function effectively, it is important that all students keep up with assigned readings and be prepared to discuss them meaningfully each day in class. In addition to class readings, students will submit monthly book reports on the works of authors such as those listed in the AP English Course Description.
Writing Assignments
During the course of the year, students will complete many formal and informal writing assignments, including reading logs, timed drafts, critical and analytical essays, argumentation, evaluation, book reports, and a major research project. Many of these assignments will involve close readings of the literature we study as a class and independently, and will require that students learn to integrate textual evidence—usually quoted passages from the literature under consideration—successfully into their writing. Although most of the writing in the course is critical analysis, there will also be some creative assignments to help students gain insights about the processes that produce imaginative literature. As an informal way to address language conventions and sentence structure, students will do a daily language practice at the beginning of each class.
It is important to recognize that writing is a process. Students will compose multiple drafts of major writing assignments, and they will have ample opportunities for meaningful feedback both from peers and from the teacher. Many major assignments will begin as timed drafts which students revise into polished essays after peer exchanges using assignment-specific rubrics and consultations with the teacher. Students may revise major assignments for improved grades after revisions have been returned with written teacher comments and suggestions. Throughout the course, students will maintain portfolios containing most major writing assignments; these will aid students in tracking their growth as writers.
Textbooks
The primary textbooks for the course will be Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing and The British Tradition. You will need to bring your textbook(s) to class every day unless I tell you otherwise. I will supply other texts and instructional materials as necessary.
English Notebooks
Each student will need to maintain a notebook throughout each semester. I will check notebooks from time to time without notice, so you will need to have your notebook in class and ready for checking every day. You will need an inexpensive three-ring binder for your English notebook. Keep all materials until you are told you no longer need them. Organize your notebook in the manner that is most effective for you. Be sure to include the following:
• Class requirements. This section should include the class syllabus packet, holistic scoring guides, and similar items.
• Class notes. This section should include all class notes, outlines, and other similar materials.
• Daily assignments. This part of your notebook should include all daily assignments, both homework and work done in class.
• Essays, drafts, reports, and other major assignments. This section should include all rough and final drafts of major writing activities. Portfolio selections will come from this section of your notebook.
• Vocabulary lists.
• Daily language practice. Keep your DLPs in this section.
• Miscellaneous. This portion of your notebook should include anything that does not belong in any other section.
Assignments
Write or type your assignments in black or dark blue ink on standard white 8 ½ by 11 paper. Use only one side of each sheet. Always include identifying information—your name, class period, the name of the assignment, and the date you turn the work in—in the upper right corner of each paper. Assignments must be printed and ready to turn in at the beginning of class. Do not fold your papers before turning them in. Some major assignments must be submitted to www.turnitin.com. Any emailed assignments must be sent as attachments.
Classroom Policies
All BHS school policies are in force in the classroom at all times. Always be courteous; remember that everyone in the classroom has something valuable to contribute to your education. Please take particular note of the following guidelines:
1. Be on time to class. If you must be tardy for a valid reason, bring a pass signed by a teacher or other school official. If you don’t have a valid pass, you must report to OCC. They will send you to class with an OCC pass.
2. If you have been absent, you must clear your absence before you may receive credit for make-up work.
3. You are expected to work quietly in your assigned seat during the class period unless you have permission to be elsewhere.
4. You must bring all needed materials to class EVERY DAY. These include textbooks, notebook with paper, and at least one black or dark blue pen. Do not bring any item that could disrupt educational activities in the classroom.
5. During discussions, speak only when recognized; otherwise, effective sharing of ideas is impossible.
6. Hall and restroom passes are for emergencies only. Lack of planning or forgetfulness does not constitute an emergency.
7. Never throw anything in the classroom for any reason.
8. Always keep the classroom neat and clean. Do not write or mark on desks, books, other school property, or other people’s property.
9. Hats, hoods, other headgear (except that required by a student’s religion), or sunglasses may not be worn in the classroom.
10. Food or drinks (except plain bottled water) are not permitted in the classroom.
11. Profanity, vulgarity, derogatory remarks, and name-calling are not permitted in the classroom.
Everything you do is a result of a decision you make. If you choose not to follow any of the above guidelines, you may expect a loss of participation points, a conference after class, detention, and/or other appropriate disciplinary action.
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