AP/Dual Credit English Literature and Composition 2014-15

Mrs. Laura Bernhard - www.reitzenglish.com

Ms. Natalie Renner - www.natalierenner.weebly.com
Read the best books first. Henry David Thoreau



Course Overview
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition is a yearlong course designed to engage students in the careful
reading and critical analysis of literature of different genres and from different cultural and historical
perspectives. Through the close reading of selected texts students deepen their understanding of the ways
writers use language aesthetically and rhetorically to create meaning. Students read major pieces of canonical
literature and works of literary criticism that illuminate that literature. As they read, students participate in active
discussion and independent inquiry, using the accepted language related to the study of literature. Students are
challenged to critically and creatively compose works of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students write and
rewrite multiple analytical, expository, and argumentative pieces. Students also hone the logical and mental skills
related to test preparation and college success.
College Credit
Dual Credit:
This class meets the guidelines for Ivy Tech Community College classes ENGL 206: Introduction to Literature and
ENGL 221: Introduction to World Literature After the Renaissance. Ms. Renner will teach ENGL 206 and Mrs.
Bernhard will teach ENGL 221. Students who have met the prerequisites and successfully complete the
coursework will earn three credits per course. Credits earned at Ivy Tech can be transferred into other colleges in
the Indiana System of Public Higher Education. Depending on the dual credit course and grade, completion of
dual credits is often an indication of a high school students motivation and academic interest in college. Colleges
may look favorably upon dual credits when considering students for admission or for advanced academic
standing. There is no charge for the credit earned from Ivy Tech.

Advanced Placement Credit:
This class meets the guidelines of the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Course. Because of this,
you can earn college credit for this course by taking the AP English Literature and Composition exam in May 2015
and achieving a score of 3 or above. You may choose to take the AP exam if your college does not accept transfer
credit or if you do not meet the prerequisites for the dual credit.
Course Requirements
Course Demands:
This year-long course is designed to meet the curriculum standards of the State of Indiana, The College Board
Advanced Placement English Literature & Composition, Ivy Techs ENGL 206 and 221, and Reitz High School. The
expectations of this course include participation in the Reitz Senior Service Learning Project and the Reitz Writes
Senior Portfolio. More information may be found at www.reitzseniorprojects.weeby.com.

Course Goals:
To carefully read and critically analyze imaginative literature
To understand the way writers use language to provide meaning
To consider literary elements of a work including structure, style, theme, and tone
To study representative works from various periods and genres
To consider how the social and historical values a work represents
To analyze how meaning is embodied in literary form
To write critically, analytically, and persuasively
To improve overall thinking, writing, speaking, and analytical skills

Texts:
The Bedford Introduction to Literature
Various novels (class sets and/or purchased by students)

Participation:
Daily participation in class is an absolute necessity and will be factored into your final grade. Participation
includes not only oral participation (asking and answering questions, leading seminars, offering perspective on
the text, etc) but also listening carefully to others, creating a positive classroom environment by respecting the
teacher and classmates, remaining alert and engaged, and doing your best in all class activities.

Grades:
Semester grades will be based on formal essays, timed writings, tests, quizzes, oral presentation, Socratic
seminars, creative writing pieces, in-class work, and participation. Grades will be based on points earned during
the grading period and semester.

Grading Scale:
90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D Below 60% = F

Essay Format:
All formal essays (and other assignments designated by the teacher) should be typed, double-spaced, and
submitted in MLA format (NO title/cover pages).

Assignment Due Dates/Late Work:
All written work, including in-class assignments, will be submitted electronically using Google Drive (use your
EVSC account). Students will be expected to use their netbooks daily. The Reitz Writes Senior Portfolio will be
compiled using a Weebly website (EVSC account).

All assignments are due at the BEGINNING of the period on the due date and are to be submitted electronically.
Due dates will always be given in advance, so you need to complete your assignments with enough time to spare
that you can deal with any technical difficulties and still make the due date. If you are absent on the day an
assignment is due, you must submit it before the beginning of the next class. Make an appointment during
enrichment period to complete any missed tests, quizzes, or other work missed during an absence. Late work
will be accepted, but 10% will be deducted from the final scored work for each class day the assignment is late.

Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism:
All work submitted for this course must be your own and written exclusively for this course. Work should only be
done in pairs or groups if assigned by the teacher in that format. If you have any questions regarding this policy,
please see your teacher.

Definitions According to Ivy Tech
o Academic Dishonesty: Intentional acts or omission including cheating, plagiarism,
misuse of college equipment, misrepresentation, fabrication or falsification of data or any
behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member
o Academic Misconduct: See academic dishonesty
o Academic Integrity: The moral code or ethical policy of academia including values such
as avoidance of cheating or plagiarism, maintenance of academic standards, honesty and
rigor in research and academic publishing
o Cheating: Any attempt to give or obtain assistance in a formal academic exercise (ie.,
examination, paper, speech) without acknowledging the source
o Plagiarism: To pass off, use, copy or take the ideas or words of another, as one's own,
without crediting the source.

Policy on Cell phones and Other Electronic Devices:
Cell phones should be stored away in a bag, purse, or pocket. Do not put them on your desk or in your lap.
They should not be used or heard during class time unless you are directed to do so.
Netbooks should be charged and available daily.



Student Agreement:

Your signature below indicates that you have received, read, and understand the syllabus for AP/Dual Credit
Literature and agree to comply with the terms and guidelines of the syllabus.


Student Name (printed): ________________________________________


Student Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: __________________