Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Syllabus 2021 ~ 2022
AP Language and Composition Course Description
The Advanced Placement Language and Composition course, like all other Advanced Placement (AP) courses, is a college-level course that requires college-level work.
Most of the literature covered in this course will be non-fiction prose in the form of essays, speeches, autobiography, biography, and periodical articles. Because this is a college-level course, many reading assignments will be challenging. Students who are willing to “push” themselves by completing each assignment to the very best of his or her ability (rather than merely completing assignments as quickly as possible) will find that challenging material will become more and more accessible as the year progresses.
Preparation for class is a must. Very often, homework assignments will require at-home reading. These assignments are chosen with care and for a specific purpose. Every assignment will be addressed in class in the form of a quiz, analysis, discussion, and/or a writing assignment. Students will need to invest time and energy in reading assignments. Merely “skimming” assignments would not be a productive practice.
Some Specific Writing Objectives Students will:
apply effective strategies and techniques in their own writing;
create and sustain arguments based on readings, research, and/or personal experience;
properly cite sources used in research-based writing;
demonstrate understanding and mastery of standard written English as well as stylistic maturity in their own writings;
produce compositions that introduce a complex central idea and develop it with appropriate, specific evidence using properly cited primary and secondary sources, clear explanations, and effective transitions;
demonstrate a mastery of standard written English while developing an individual, unique voice.
Writing assignments will come in many different shapes and sizes. Whatever the case, the underlying principle will be the same. Writing isn’t just about grammar and structure. Writing is about communication, and the goal will always be to find better and better ways to communicate our ideas. Students can expect their writing experience in this class to include:
Multiple short writing assignments.
At least 4 longer assignments (full-length analytical, expository, or argumentative essays) per quarter.
Multiple timed writing assignments throughout the year.
At least 1 research-based essay using properly-cited primary and secondary sources.
Specific Reading Objectives We will focus on reading, throughout this course, as an active, conscious activity. We will address several different approaches to reading that are purpose-driven. For instance, the way we read a newspaper article is (or should be) somewhat different from the way we read the instructions that come with a new television remote control. A driver reads road signs quickly, skimming for information, but that same driver would read a speeding ticket with much more attention to detail, making sure he understands the requirements and consequences of the ticket. We will approach our reading assignments with a conscious appreciation for purpose.
Course Structure This course will be structured, first, around the major concepts of reading and writing. As we read, we will also write. Some writing assignments will be brief, and some will be more substantial in length. Within the two very general areas of reading and writing, we will happily navigate our way through the following:
ReadingWriting Reading strategies based on purpose. Writing as a process.
Focus on modes (narrative, descriptive, expository, analytical, and argumentative).
Focus on style (diction, syntax, other rhetorical and linguistic choices). Recognition of standard English. Use of standard English. Building vocabulary through reading. Using new vocabulary. Viewing and analyzing alternative texts (images, films, etc.). Analyzing and writing about alternative texts (images, films, etc.).
Assessment
Because this is a composition course, most of your formal assessments will be in the form of compositions. Students should remember that essays, written in class or at home, count as test grades.
There will, however, be a number of daily quizzes on reading material and many quizzes on curricular material including rhetorical devices, vocabulary, and grammar and mechanics.
Students should keep ALL work and handouts throughout the year. Nothing I give you should be thrown away. I recommend that students keep notebooks organized into logical sections like: Notes and Handouts, Essays, etc.
Attendance, Make-Up Work, and Late Work Attendance is a very important part of the learning experience. Please remember that you must make up any absence after the tenth absence. The reality is, though, that any student who has missed anywhere close to ten days will have a very hard time catching up. But when you are absent, it is absolutely YOUR responsibility to ask for and to complete make-up work. I absolutely will not remind you to make up work when you are absent. This is your responsibility. (Please see the Butler Grading Policy included with this document.)
***Late work and makeup work should not be turned in with the current day’s work, but should, instead be placed in the appropriate folder in the box in the front of the room. ***
2021 ~ 2022
Advanced Placement Course Agreement ~English Language and Composition College Board Advanced Placement courses provide college level studies for high school students who are ready to do college level work. AP courses are taught using college level materials and strategies that will prepare students to take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination. The syllabus for this specific teacher’s course has been reviewed and approved by College Board. Students who take this AP course are expected to take the AP Language and Composition examination in May.