AP Language and Composition

Jessica Robinson

jessica.robinson@carteretk12.org

The Course

The AP course in English Language and Composition focuses on developing students’ ability to read and write nonfiction prose.  As both writers and readers, students will become more aware of the correlation between a writer’s purpose, audience, and subject, as well as the linguistic devices used to craft effective texts. 

AP Language and Composition is a college-level course.  As such, the performance expectations are high.  Students should enter the class with a sincere desire to improve their ability to analyze and create texts, along with an understanding of the dedication and this work requires. Students are also expected to have a strong foundation in grammatical conventions and an ability to analyze and discuss texts with a level of sophistication commensurate with that of a college freshman.  These skills, combined with the rigorous course, will effectively prepare students to take the AP English Language and Composition Exam, which may grant them credit or an exemption from their college’s freshman composition course, depending upon the requirements of the institution.  

The Goals

Successful completion of the AP English Language and Composition course requires mastery of the following key skills:

• analyze and interpret samples of good writing, identifying and explaining an author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques;

• apply effective strategies and techniques when writing;

• create and sustain arguments based on readings, research, and/or personal experience;

• produce expository, analytical, and argumentative compositions that introduce a complex central idea and develop it with appropriate evidence drawn from primary and/or secondary sources, cogent explanations, and clear transitions;

• demonstrate understanding of the conventions of citing primary and secondary sources;

• move effectively through the stages of the writing process, with careful attention to inquiry and research, drafting, revising, editing, and review

• write thoughtfully about the process of composition;

• revise a work to make it suitable for a different audience; and

• analyze image as text.

Supplies

• seven dividers for binder

• black or blue ink pens

• #2 pencils

• 1 three ring binder

• highlighters

• journal (may use same journal from Honors English III)

• mini-stapler or paper clips

Behavioral Expectations

Students are expected to behave as professionals who are here to learn.  

• Preparation

• ·    Bring all materials to class

• ·    Sharpen your pencil before class or have a pencil sharpener at your desk

• ·    Be in your seat and working when the bell rings

• Participation

• ·    Raise your hand

• ·    Contribute to group/ class discussions

• Pushing Yourself

• ·    Use all your class time wisely

• ·    If  you finish something early, go back and make it better, do your homework FOR THIS CLASS, or read or write. 

• ·    Work until I dismiss you

• ·    Always stay on task in groups

• ·    Try. Try hard. Try very hard.

• Politeness

• ·    Don’t have side conversations—they’re distracting

• ·    Don’t talk when your classmates are working quietly—again, distracting

• ·    Don’t  ever, ever, ever put your head on your desk. *

• ·    Always raise your hand to speak when Ms. Robinson is talking.  Always.

• ·    Make this room a place where we are all comfortable taking academic risks.

• ·    Work to create a community in the class

• ·    Be nice.**

   

  * Case study: Records indicate that on a cold wintry day in February of 2007 a student put his head down.  Ms. Robinson politely asked he not do so and took away his motivation points.  Several minutes later, the student was again resting his head on his arms, at which point Ms. Robinson directed him to the CHS luxury accommodation otherwise known as ALC.

  **Case study: Records indicate that on a sunny afternoon in the spring of 2006 a student was not nice to another student, at which point the roof of the classroom split open and fire/ brimstone rained upon the fearful student’s head.  The record also indicates he lost the behavior point for the week.

Cheating

• Intellectual dishonesty will not be tolerated.  All the following are examples of cheating:  

•  Copying someone else’s work.  This includes copying from books, the internet, magazines, newspapers, or classmates.   

•  Allowing someone to copy work.

•  Giving answers to a classmate.

• All of the following are consequences of cheating:

•  Zero on the assignment.

•  Unsatisfactory conduct grade for the six weeks grading period.

•  Notification of principal and parent.

Attendance/Makeup Work

• Students are responsible for obtaining all missed work and making arrangements for missed tests or quizzes on the day they return to school. 
• Students should check the absentee folder before or after class to find out what they missed as soon as they return.
• Students should meet with Ms. Robinson before or after class on the day they return to make arrangements to make-up missed tests or quizzes.
• Students have two days to make-up missed tests, quizzes, or assignments, as per the CHS handbook.  If students fail to see Ms. Robinson within this time period or miss an appointment for a make-up test or quiz, they will receive a zero. 

Homework

• It is the student’s responsibility to write down and keep up with homework assignments.  Homework assignments are posted online a week in advance. 
• Homework is accepted at the beginning of class.  Students should place homework in the inbox as they come into class.  Late homework is not accepted and will result in a zero.
• Late projects or compositions (major assignments) will be accepted, but ten points will be deducted for each class period the assignment is overdue.  A late work pass must be stapled to the assignment.  
• Doing homework is fundamental to the student’s success in this class.  For this reason, consequences for not doing homework are serious and strictly enforced. 
  • 1^st time without homework: verbal warning
  • 2^nd time without homework: lunch detention
  • 3^rd time without homework: lunch detention and parental contact (a note home, email, or phone call)
  • Lunch detention will be given for each subsequent time the student fails to complete a homework assignment

Grading

The method of grading used each six weeks will be the following scale:

• ·    60% - Major Grades: compositions, major tests, projects, practice AP Exams

• ·    40% - Minor Grades: quizzes, homework, class work, pop tests, etc.

Students and parents will be able to check grades online as they are posted.  The website is http://chs.myegrades.com and you can log on using a Novell username and password.

**Students will frequently be assigned timed writings and practice multiple choice tests.  These assignments will be graded on a sliding scale. For example, an essay earning a seven on the AP rubric will earn an A+ during the first month of the course, but leading up to the exam a seven will earn an A-.  The change in grades reflects the growth I expect from all students over the course of the semester. 

Teacher Assistance

Any student who is struggling with an assignment is expected to contact me ASAP for help.  I am at school by 7:00 every morning and here until at least 4:00.  I will be happy to help you with assignments, discuss your progress in the class, or answer any questions you have in person or via email (jessica.robinson@carteretk12.org).