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Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Grading Policy, Procedures, and Syllabus 2012-2013

"The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." Mark Twain "There's only one story." Thomas C. Foster "If writing seems hard, it's because it is hard. It's one of the hardest things people do." William Zinser

Contact Info: Ms. Kelly Price, instructor -- kprice@pgcps.org (e-mail is best!); 301-805-2600 (ext. 305) Class Googlesite: https://sites.google.com/a/pgcps.org/bowie-high-ap-english-literature-2012-2013/ Course Description: AP English Literature and Composition 12 is a rigorous, college-level program similar in content and expectations to a university freshman or sophomore literature course. The purpose of this course is to provide high school students the opportunity to study the kinds of challenging, stimulating literary texts enjoyed by college students. This course will enable motivated students to read with understanding complex texts spanning the 16th to 21st centuries and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity which communicates effectively with mature readers of literature. Course Objectives: To improve understanding and appreciation of various periods, styles, and genres of literature. To develop facility and style in writing of literary analysis To develop analytical and critical reading techniques used to determine how authors create meaning in poetry, fiction, and drama To evaluate and self-evaluate writing in its various stages To prepare students for the May 2013 College Board exam in English Literature and Composition

Primary Textbooks (*Provided by BHS): Foster, Thomas. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster (New York: HarperCollins, 2003) * Meyer, Michael. The Bedford Introduction to Literature, 8th edition (Boston: Bedford/St. Martins) * Arp, Thomas and Greg Johnson. Perrines Sound and Sense (Fort Worth: Harcourt College Publishers)

Secondary Texts (listed in order of publication provided by BHS except summer reading and independent books) Hamlet William Shakespeare, British (1603) -- play Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen, British (1813) -- novel The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde, Irish (1895) play Fences August Wilson, American (1985) -- play Snow Falling on Cedars David Guterson, American (1994) novel 5 Steps to a 5, AP English Literature (McGraw-Hill)

Recommended Text: Course Activities:

Deep, wide, varied, and active reading and rereading of poetry, fiction, and drama. Reading includes works we study as a class and limited independent choices; students will read at least two novels independently (second and third quarters). Reflection on reading occurs through extensive group and class discussion, writing, and revision. Formal writing (both timed in-class essays and take-home essays that are heavily revised). We always grade using the College Boards AP English rubric. Informal writing such as journaling, quickwrites, creative writing, and reader responses Revision and editing students are expected to craft their formal writing in several stages and to share their writing with the class on a regular basis. Students are encouraged (and sometimes required) to meet with instructor individually to discuss writing assignments. Close reading, annotation, analysis, evaluation, and revision of sample and model essays.

Grading Factors Essays are graded using the College Board AP English rubric (9=100%, 8=94%, 7=87%, 6=80%, 5=74%, 4=67%, 3=60%, 2=55%, and 1=50%). Pluses or minuses receive two additional or fewer points (6-plus=82%, 8minus=92%). 70% of your quarter grade is assessments: Tests, essays, quizzes, and/or presentations/projects. Essays are the most significant component of this grade: Each graded essay is worth at least 20% of your quarter grade. 30% of your quarter grade is effort or participation: Classwork, homework, participation, and preparation. . Late Work: Late homework is not accepted. I will accept ONLY major assignments (essays) late they will be docked 20% for each late day. Computer and printer problems are not excuses for late papers. Back up your work, be sure you have extra printer cartridges and paper, and dont procrastinate. If all else fails, e-mail your assignment to me kprice@pgcps.org and to yourself BEFORE class and print it out at school in the Media Center or at the public library ASAP. If you e-mail your essay to me before class begins, it is considered on time; if not, it is considered late. If you e-mail it to me, I also need a hard copy as soon as you can give it to me. Supply List: By 8/27-8/28, please purchase and bring daily (Please see me if purchasing these provides any hardship): a binder with loose leaf paper and folder used ONLY for AP English Literature (you will need 3 sections) pens, highlighter, sticky notes ID badge (provided by the school) Planner, agenda book, or calendar Expectations: I. Students are to report to class daily and on time. A. More than one absence per quarter for any reason is excessive. I realize you must miss class on occasion, but it is imperative those absences are kept to a minimum and that you stay on task with the course curriculum. B. Procedure for make-up work: 1. Check class googlesite (address above) to see what classwork and activities you missed. 2. E-mail Price or another student if you need further clarification. 3. When you return to class, check the make-up folder for your class for any documents disseminated. C. If you miss class for a school activity or another previously planned appointment, you must submit any work due that day by the beginning of class and be caught up by the time you return. NO EXCEPTIONS. II. Students are responsible for tracking their grades through SchoolMax. Be sure the grades that I posted are accurate! Please contact me with any questions or concerns about your grades. If you have questions about how to use SchoolMax, please contact me at kprice@pgcps.org. III. Students will need the following supplies daily: ID badge, pens, organized binder, paper, and any novels or plays we may be reading (we have class sets of The Bedford Introduction to Literature, so you are not required to bring it to class). IV. Students must follow all school and classroom rules. A. Students must use technology appropriately. Any inappropriate use of a cell phone or e-reader, etc. will result in a loss of all participation points for the day and a zero on any assignment in progress at the time of the usage. Repeated infractions will result in confiscation and disciplinary action. B. Students must practice academic honesty at all times. All work on homework, essays, tests, and quizzes must be the students own work. Any acts of academic dishonesty will result in a double zero for the assignment and possible disciplinary action. Additionally, I cannot write you a letter of recommendation if you cheat. C. Literacy is essential. Deliberate ignorance is self-destructive behavior. Each AP Literature student has the right and the responsibility to learn and to contribute to the learning of others. D. Enjoy the course, especially the reading and your classmates!

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