Advanced+Language+&+Composition

Mrs. Hunter Analyzing Visual Media

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Concept & Vocabulary Lists

**AP Language and Composition Syllabus **

The activities in this course are designed to comply with the requirements and guidelines provided in the AP English Course Description. Students in this course learn how to communicate effectively and to read complex texts skillfully in order to determine the author’s purpose and audience engagement tactics. In their readings, students are required to focus on rhetorical devices and strategies as they analyze and explain how the authors’ use of language in personal, expository, analytical, and argumentative texts communicates author’s purpose to a specific audience. Students take knowledge base that is built in reading and then apply it to their own writing, developing their own voice and style through the application of the writing process. Students develop visual analytical skills through class instruction with selected media including photographs, cartoons, and film clips. Readings include primary and secondary sources that will allow students to make connections between society and literature, enhancing their perceptions of writing and the historical context in which selections were written. Much of the reading is focused on non-fiction texts; however students are required to read novels that represent the various time periods in American Literature. Students are able to discuss the author’s use of rhetorical strategies and devices studies in the corresponding unit to convey their specific purpose to an intended audience. Students will review vocabulary sentence construction and MLA format in order to continue to develop their mastery of grammar and usage and apply research methods and documentation practices. Ultimately, students will work towards taking the [|**__AP English Language and Composition Exam on Wednesday, May 13,__** **__2015 (AM test)__**]. To prepare for the assessment, students will participate in a simulation exam in April.
 * __COURSE OVERVIEW: __**

Throughout the course, students are required to complete multiple choice practice sets and timed writings either from an AP resource book or from a public release prompt. Timed multiple choice tests are graded according a curve grading scale based on performance on the actual AP test. Essay response are often peer scored (and teacher confirmed) using 9-point AP rubrics. You are encouraged to continue revising essays throughout the course. There will be an average of 1 timed writing and 1 practice multiple choice set every 2 weeks.
 * __TEST PRACTICE- Timed Writing & Multiple Choice __****: **

In order to be successful in this AP class and on the test you will need to practice using different modes of discourse and rhetorical patterns. Thus there will be several process papers that will focus on the writing process and creative use of writing strategies such as description, argument, cause/effect, definition, comparison/contrast, process, division/classification and example. __Module 1 __: Patterns is about inferences made based on life and literature
 * __PROCESS WRITING: __**

__Module 2 __: Function

__Module 3 __: Interaction

__Module 4 __: Perspective

|| **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Summative Assessments (80%) ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Practice Multiple Choice Sets <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Timed Writings <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Process Papers <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Projects <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Presentations || <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Class work <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Discussion- Small & Large Group <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Journal <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Practice Multiple Choice Sets <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Timed Writings <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Touchstones ||
 * __<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENTS: __**
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Formative Assessments (20%) ** ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Benchmarks

__<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Revision __<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">: You may **revise & resubmit** assignments up to, but no more than, ten (10) days after they are returned with a grade on them. The original assignment must accompany your new version (revision stapled to the front) and re-submitted within two weeks of the day it is passed back in order to receive credit. The revised assignment will be scored according to the same assignment requirements. The highest grade will be placed in the grade book.

__<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Late Work __<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">: (this includes work missed due to an unlawful absence) will be accepted up to two days late with a 5% deduction each day and additional 4 days with an additional 9% penalty each day beyond two days. On the 7th day late the assignment will receive an automatic 65%. If you are in school, but lawfully out of class, (i.e. band, & sports), work is still due that day & will be considered late if not turned in on time.

__<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Make-up Work __<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">: If you are absent due to a lawful absence, it is YOUR responsibility to submit work due and/or find out about work assigned on that day. This should be done on the day you return by obtaining handouts and assignments from the class folder. Work due on days that you missed will be due upon your return to class. For work assigned on a day you miss, you will have extra days equal to the number you missed. It is also YOUR responsibility to see me to arrange to make-up missed assessments taken on the day of your absence.

__<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Academic Dishonesty __<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">: Action will be taken against students who engage in academic dishonesty of any kind. Cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, or fraud will be referred to the office. Students will be given a 50% in the grade book until a comparable assignment is completed which would count for full credit.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Remember! **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Online resources, such as Spark Notes, are not meant to be used as a tool for completing assignments! Also, using the “copy & paste” method of writing is not to be used in place of your own original work!

**__<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Materials & English Notebook: __** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">You are expected to maintain an organized English notebook throughout the year/semester. It must be a three ring binder. You must bring your binder, and any other materials signed out to you through the duration of the course, to class everyday. It is your responsibility to keep up with your notebook contents and to use a system of organization that provides sense and neatness.
 * __<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">General Materials __<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">: Pen/Pencil, Paper, 1” three ring binder, post-its, index cards, metal rings
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">All students are strongly encouraged to purchase a study book. I suggest __5 Steps to a 5: AP English Language__, McGraw-Hill, Second Edition. The book is available at regular book stores and on Amazon.com.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">There will likely come a time during the year when you will feel overwhelmed with the course demands and rigor of coursework. Many of you work, play sports, are involved in numerous school activities from band to National Honor Society, and take several other very demanding courses, all of which require your undivided time and effort. Juggling these things will only help prepare you for your inevitable future in collage and/or the work place. Remember to stay organized and divide your efforts appropriately. I’ve provided you my email address which should be helpful should you need assistance. Also, I am readily available to you before school and after school. My number one concern is to help you develop the skills you need to successfully meet our course objectives, pass the AP exam, and go into college with a grandeur of knowledge.
 * __<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Final Thoughts __**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">: