AP+Language+Syllabus

AP Language Syllabus 2010-2011 Teacher's Name: Michelson, SarahRoom Number: 112Telephone Number: 619-401-4804Email Address: smichelson@guhsd.netOffice Hours: Monday and Friday 3:00-3:30Course Description The intent of this class is to develop the skills required for the Advanced Placement English Language andComposition Test in May of 2011. In addition, development and practice of these skills will be beneficial for students when they enter college. The emphasis will be on writing and composition, reading and analyzing prose, oral communication, and critical thinking skills, particularly as theyrelate to the study and practice of rhetoric. A major goal of the course, beyond preparing for the AP Exam, is to study, practice, and begin to master the skills of rhetoric. Students should become knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects and be able to discuss and argue both sides of an issue. They must understand context, audience, and rhetorical situation and be able to express themselves on varied topics within various genres meaningfully, purposefully, and effectively, with a mature perspective. By the end of the course, students will have developed their reading and writing techniques, strategies, and skills and be judicious in how they use them.

For the AP Exam and English Language and Composition Course, the requisite skills include:

1.    Understanding and command of the 5 Canons of Rhetoric:  Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, and Delivery

2.    Fluency of style in the students’ own writing

3.    Close reading related to artistic purpose and depth and complexity

4.    Historical and current events perspective

5.    Concept of language and the writing process

6.    Developing an analytical voice

7.    Understanding and command of rhetorical terminology

8.    Command of rhetorical organizational modes (e.g., Definition, Description, Classification, Comparison/Contrast, Cause & Effect, Argument, Persuasion, Narration, Letters, Exposition)

9.    Development of research skills, including evaluating, using, synthesizing, and citing correctly (MLA style) source materials

10. Multiple choice reasoning

11. Organizational skills and strategies for timed writing

Students will also:

* develop and maintain an online portfolio; * work collaboratively on assignments and projects; * participate in short presentations; * participate in online readings, assessments, and homework assignments; * and participate in technology based lessons and activities.

Grade Categories and Percentages

* All work is based on a point system. Points are divided into categories. The categories are listed below.

Reading Standards: 35 % (classwork: 30%; assessments: 70%)Writing Standards: 35 % (classwork: 30%; assessments: 70%)Speaking and Listening Standards: 15 %Class Participation: 15 % Grades are always available for you to keep track of your progress and assignments atmygradebook.com. Grades are always subject to change so check your grades often. To check your grade summary go tohttp://www.mygradebook.com and enter your username (teacher provided) and password (student ID number).ExpectationsOrganizationOne who is organized forgets to do things less often, turns in assignments more regularly, and ultimately lives with less stress.

* Planners

Write it down daily. Reference it later. A successful student uses his or her planner to write down homework assignments, daily agendas, important due dates, and school events. Use your month-at-a-glance for planning future events and your week-at-a-glance for planning homework and other important daily activities. You will be expected to have and use your planner everyday, in every class. There will be random binder checks.

* Binders

Organization is key to success. Maintain an organized three-ring binder with labeled dividers for all classes. Use your binder to organize class handouts, graded papers, and current assignments. Open the rings in your binder and take the time to put papers away where they belong. You will be expected to have and use your binder everyday, in every class. There will be random binder checks.

* Materials

For this class you will need the following supplies:

+ 2" three-ring binder               + college rule lined paper                + blue and black pens                + pencils (mechanical is preferred)                + two highlighters                + and a box or pouch for your writing utensils

Note: As your teacher I reserve the right to add to this list at any time. Items added to this list will become required materials for the class.ParticipationParticipation is key to success. An active participant shares his or her ideas with the class, completes assignments on time, participates while in groups, and contributes to the class as a whole. You should also participate in school activities, clubs, and sports. A student who gets involved in his or her school experiences greater success in academic classes, learns valuable life lessons, and typically develops great friendships. Strive to be a good citizen of your school, home and community.Come to class ready to learn. Students must bring their binders, lined paper, pens, pencils, highlighters, class issued texts and other school supplies to class everyday. These materials are essential to class participation and learning. If you come to class without your materials, you may be required to purchase supplies from your teacher and you will be subject to disciplinary action (i.e., phone call home, detention, or administrative intervention).Computer WorkAs part of our course, you will be required to have access to a computer with internet. El Cajon Valley High School provides computer access in Night Library (M-Th 3:00-6:00), the Student Center (M-F 3:00-5:00), and computer labs when staffed by one of the tenth grade English team teachers.ClassworkYou will be expected to complete assignments in class. Work that is not completed in class must be completed at home and brought to the next class meeting. There are penalties for turning in late work, so get in a habit of completing assignments on time.HomeworkHomework is an expectation of this class. You need to be responsible and complete your homework assignment on the night it is assigned and bring into class the next day.Late WorkCompleted assignments are to be turned in on the date that they are due. Late work will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Long-term assignments will lose points if turned in late. Failure to complete assignments will cause you to fail this class.Tests and AssessmentsI will frequently assess your progress in the class. Expect reading quizzes, reading comprehension tests, vocabulary/ word tests, comprehensive exams, formal and informal presentations, and various other assessments.A, B, C you after schoolTo ensure your success, you may be required to attend tutorial and/or Night Library. During these sessions you will be able to make up work, get help with assignments, and study for tests. If you have a D or F in the class, you will be required to go to mandatory tutorial until you raise your grade to at least a C. Your parents will be contacted to inform them of your mandatory tutorial. If you do not attend tutorial you will receive a detention. Further defiance will result in a suspension.Policies and ProceduresFollowing rules in school is like living a lawful life in society. We follow laws in society in order to maintain an orderly world, one that is safe and secure. We may not always agree with the rules or laws, but we must do our best to uphold them whenever possible. The same is true for our class. There are rules for this class that we all must follow. You do not have to agree with the rules, but you must adhere to them. In this class we follow all school rules: you may not listen to personal music devices, use your cell phones (unless there is an emergency), eat food, or drink liquids other than water in class. Chewing gum is also not allowed. The dress code will be enforced; those violating the dress code will be sent to the office where you will receive clothing more appropriate for school. Here are some principles to live by:

* Be kind to others and support each other. * Respect others and their property. * Treat school materials, equipment, and furnishings with care. * Return borrowed materials and clean up after yourself. * Speak with good purpose. * Listen and seek to understand what others say. * Be positive and smile often. * Come to class prepared and ready to learn everyday.

Consequences for Misbehavior

* A warning is given. * Parents/ guardians are contacted and citizenship grade becomes an "S". * A detention is given. * If a student continues to violate the classroom rules, administrative action will be taken. * Citizenship grade becomes a "U" for the quarter. * Student may be removed from the classroom, resulting in the loss of credit.

Attendance and TardiesBe punctual! Be on time! Remember, everyone contributes to the classroom environment, so your presence is important. Besides, coming late to class might cause unnecessary disruptions, so make it your goal to arrive on time. See student handbook for more details.