English Department     Spring Semester 2018

COURSE TITLE: AP English Literature INSTRUCTOR: Celeste CoyleEMAIL: Celeste.Coyle@cobbk12.org PHONE: 770-819-2521 Ext. 1011

CLASSROOM BLOG: https://mscoylesclass.wordpress.com/SCHOOL WEBSITE:  http://www.cobbk12.org/Pebblebrook/REMIND CODES: See last page of packet

PHS SCHOOL VISION: Empowering Students to Become Productive Members of a Global CommunityPHS SCHOOL MISSION: Modeling and Developing Intellectual, Physical and Emotional Behaviors that Lead to Success for AllKEY ACTIONS:

Increase the Graduation Rate Increase rigor and student engagement (Project-based learning environment) Increase community and parental involvement

COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Literature is a college-level class leading to the national Advanced Placement (AP) Examination in English Literature and Composition in May. AP Literature is designed for highly motivated college bound students who have demonstrated academic promise and achievement as well as the ability to master an advanced program of study.

Students entering this course must have the initial expectation that they will read, contemplate, and write about literature extensively. We will write an essay every couple weeks (in analytical, argumentative, and expositional forms) and will read every day (novels, creative nonfiction, short stories, and poems). They must be willing to challenge and justify their understandings, attempt to see other perspectives, and discuss in a mature and lively manner.

“AP English Language and Composition focuses on essential reading, writing, and thinking skills that prepare students to analyze print and visual texts in any context and to write in a variety of modes, using a variety of methods. As such, the primary role of the AP English Language and Composition instructor is to facilitate learning through strategic instruction, a model that emphasizes a risk-free environment where student talk, rather than teacher talk, remains central. Teachers assist students in learning how to test their own ideas as well as consider the ideas of others during the reading and writing processes. Students also learn to initiate their own inquiries rather than simply respond to teacher-directed questions. Of course, such an environment carries the expectation that respect for others is taught and valued.” From the Course Descriptions for AP Literature as outlined by CollegeBoard

An AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone.

KEY STANDARDS:

The AP Literature student will accomplish the following:

Extensive composition at the college level to develop stylistic maturity, including denotative and connotative accuracy, a variety of sentence structures, appropriate use of subordinate and coordinate constructions, logical organization, specific techniques of coherence, specific supportive details for generalizations, focused thesis, effective use of rhetoric, controlling tone, maintaining consistent voice, and achieving emphasis through parallelism and antithesis

versatility in modes of writing: expository, analytical, and argumentative essays use of creative writing assignments to understand writing as a craft extensive reading of complex literary texts in English, including fiction, nonfiction, drama,

and poetry intensive study of major authors, periods, genres, or themes, including British, American,

and world literature close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature from the sixteenth century to

the present careful observations of textual detail connections among observations which lead to inferences of meaning understanding a work’s complexity and richness in meaning analysis of ways in which meaning is embodied in literary form consideration of a work’s social, cultural, and historical values discussion of literary techniques and terms discussion of devices of language, rhetoric, and expository writing articulation of judgments in the evaluation of literary works development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills

(from the College Board’s Advanced Placement Course Description: English – for more information contact www.collegeboard.org/ap)

TEXTBOOK/SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES: Central Texts: Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing by Roberts and Zweig

Diyanni, Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and DramaAP English Literature and Composition Test Prep Book

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William ShakespeareHamlet by William ShakespeareOthello by William ShakespeareAs I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver 1984 by George Orwell V for Vendetta by Alan Moore How the Garcia Girls List Their Accents by Julia Alvarez Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

Summer Reading:All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (Summer Reading)Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps by Alan Gelb

*Parallel Reading Assignment will require students to procure, read and analyze a text outside of the required class readings

Students will also be required to read and complete an assignment on an additional novel as parallel reading.

Possible Films/Clips: The Road, Hamlet, Othello, The Kite Runner, Dracula, Titus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Their Eyes Were Watching God, V for Vendetta

*NOTE*: If a parent/guardian has a concern with any book, film, or other material for the course, please contact me so that we can discuss an alternate assignment for your student.

MATERIALS NEEDED: 1. Copies of the required texts2. 3 ring binder with divider tabs3. Pens and pencils4. 4 GB or > USB drive 5. Colored pencils, markers, highlighters, or crayons (suggested)6. Glue stick or tape (suggested)7. Index cards (suggested)

DONATION REQUEST: If you would like to donate supplies to the room, these items are needed throughout the year:Kleenex Hand sanitizer Band-Aids Printer PaperMarkers Colored Pencils Construction Paper Notebook PaperPens/Pencils

CLASS EXPECTATIONS: My expectations for all students are as follows:-Be respectful of everyone and everything in the classroom. -Be present, be prepared, and be positive. It is my expectation that this class is a place of business and learning. You are required to treat your teacher(s), peers, and materials with respect at all times. You are required to comply with school rules at all times. You are required to follow directions at all times and correct your behavior immediately if there is an issue. Consequences for failure to comply with these expectations may include a warning, student/teacher conference, detention, parent contact, and referral to administration.

GRADING POLICY:

Reading …………………………………………..30%Speaking/Listening ………………………………15%Writing ……………………………..…………….30%Final……………………………………..………..20%

Common Assessment……………………………..5%

GRADING SCALE:

A - 100-90%B - 89-80%C - 79-74% D – 70-73%

F - 69-Below

SYNERGY ACCESS TO GRADES:

It is strongly encouraged that you keep your Synergy login information in a safe place and that you have access to the information when needed. Parents should contact the Main Office (770.819.2521).

Please note that when you are viewing grades in Synergy that a blank grade column for your child has no effect on their grade. If the space is blank, then your student may not have turned in that assignment due to absence or the teacher may not have entered grades for that assignment at that time. An “X” means that the student is exempt from an assignment at the discretion of the teacher.

HOMEWORK/CLASS WORK REQUIREMENTS:Reading AssignmentsThe most important requirement for this course is that students read every assignment — read it with care and on time. Students unused to literature courses will need to plan time in their schedule for more reading than most courses require. Poetry, though usually not long, is dense and complicated and should always be read at least twice. Novels in particular require planning. Writing AssignmentsStudents will write a number of creative assignments in parallel with the critical writings completed per unit. Creative writing will include a sonnet, a group-authored and class-presented Choreopoem, an ABC Fiction, and others. Writing Assignments — CriticalEach student will write several short critical papers, explicating poetry and drama, and performing a close reading of novels, including one that is research-based. I will be more specific on what I expect from these critical assignments later on, but in general each paper will use specific and well-chosen evidence to articulate an argument about poems, drama, and fiction. Specifically, these critical essays are based on close textual analysis of structure, style (figurative language, imagery, symbolism, tone), and social/historical values.

The AP teacher provides instruction and feedback on students' writing assignments, both before and after the students revise their work, that help the students develop:

A wide-ranging vocabulary used appropriately and effectively A variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of subordination and coordination Logical organization, enhanced by specific techniques to increase coherence, such as

repetition, transitions, and emphasis A balance of generalization and specific, illustrative detail An effective use of rhetoric, including controlling tone, establishing and maintaining voice, and

achieving appropriate emphasis through diction and sentence structure

APPROACH TO LITERATURE:During the course of the semester, we will examine several different genres within the context of thematic units. We will reflect on how similar themes are examined, defined, and valued in different historical periods and cultures as well as in our own. While we read the poetry, drama, and fiction within the thematic contexts, we will also analyze and evaluate the literary techniques used by the authors. Additionally, we will perform close analysis of structure and style, including diction, tone, syntax, figurative language, and symbolism as they contribute to the while literary work. We will use these elements to discuss and write about the works we read.

PROJECTS: Some of the learning that takes place in this class will be student-driven and project based.

True learning takes place when students solve problems and discover things on their own. I will not stand in front of the class and simply tell you what you need to know.

Some projects will be individual, but many will require you to work in a small group. Generally groups will initially be two people but if students prove that they are able to work well in larger groups, I will allow it.

While I understand that some people prefer to work alone, working with others is an essential skill that is needed to be successful as an adult. If you are one of these people, please speak with me in private and I will attempt to group you with other students in which you will be compatible.

TESTS AND QUIZZES: The majority of the assessments in the class will be hand-written essays and multiple choice to

reflect the content on the AP Literature exam.

Quizzes will be scheduled in advance, but the teacher reserves the right to give pop quizzes. If participation in class is low, students are not able to participate in class discussions with reasonable intelligence of the material, and/or did not complete the homework, a pop quiz may be given. Quizzes will cover the readings that the student is to have completed, class activities, and any notes given in class lecture (normally only a week’s worth of material).

PARTICIPATION: Class participation is an important component of the AP curriculum. Much can be learned from

the exchange of ideas that occurs during class discussions. Frequent absences SERIOUSLY jeopardize your success in this class. The participation grade will be based on the degree of student involvement in the learning activities, including attention to and participation in written and oral exercises, class discussion, preparation for class, and homework. To reiterate: If you do not participate in formal class discussions, you will not receive a passing grade for that activity.

FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION: Students who take the AP exam in May are able to exempt the final exam. Students must

have an A or B in the class.

From the AP Contract: “If you are eligible for the attendance exemption, then you CANNOT choose an AP course for your final exam exemption. You must choose a different course.

To exempt the final exam for an AP course your final grade in the course must be between 80% - 100% by April 30th & take the AP English Literature & Composition exam.

You are required to participate in at least 1 mock test that will be administered outside of class. (April 21st 8:00am-12:00pm in room 1011 or April 28th 8:00 am-12:00pm in room 1002).

You are required to attend at least 2 tutoring sessions. These take place every Tuesday afternoon from 3:45-5:00 and Wednesday mornings from 7:00-8:15.

LATE WORK POLICY: It is my expectation that you will turn in your work on time. However, in the event of an absence or an emergency, late work will be accepted upon completion, but will result in a lower grade. All major assignments/projects will be penalized 10% each day late. Late class work and homework assignments only receive half credit the next class period.

ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY: A student who is present and actively participates is most likely to be successful; however, if a student is absent, he/she has the number of days absent plus one day to make up assigned work. If the student does not make up the work, a zero will be given for the missed work. All a student has to do is ASK, and I will be happy to designate a time for make-up work when my assistance is needed.

If a student has an unexcused absence, all work will be assigned a zero in Synergy unless the absence becomes excused.

Remember that IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PICK UP AND TO MAKE UP ANY MISSED WORK! There will be a designated spot and system to pick up make-up work, which students will be aware of. Please check the blog to view more details about the day’s work. Any student who misses class for OSS or ISS must turn in his/her work the day he/she returns to class. Students in OSS must have their work picked up in the main office.

This year Pebblebrook is offering attendance incentives, including the ability to opt out of one final exam. Please keep this in mind, as well as the fact that students who attend class do better overall!

TARDY POLICY:  To avoid being counted tardy, students must be seated and ready for class when the bell rings.  School policy states that students may receive detention, In-School Suspension, and Out-of-School Suspension for repeated tardies. 

EXTRA HELP: I am available for tutoring every Tuesday afternoon from 3:45-5:00 and Wednesday mornings from 7:00-8:15. I request that you let me know three days in advance, when possible, if you need to stay after school another day so that I can avoid any conflicts.

CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES: As per the school’s policy, cell phones are not to be used during class time unless directed by the teacher for instructional purposes. Students will receive a discipline referral after one warning to put away any electronic device (unless the device is being used for instruction). Students are allowed to bring certain technologies to class (iPad, laptop, Kindle, etc.), but it should NOT interfere with the teaching or other’s learning.

REMIND:I will be using the Remind feature to keep in contact with students outside of the classroom. The Remind feature will send text-like messages to the students’ phones and/or e-mails. Please contact me if you have a concern with your student using remind. To join remind for this class, follow the directions on the last 2 pages of this document (depending on your class period).

GRADE RECOVERY: Students who score 69 or below on any unit assessment are allowed to retake the assessment.  The grade will not exceed a 70 for the unit assessment.  The retake must be completed with-in one week. Please view the teacher’s blog for notification when the assessment will be administered.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!!!!

Cheating is considered a serious matter.  Any student who is involved in cheating/plagiarism will receive a grade of zero on the material, an unsatisfactory in conduct, and his/her parents will be notified.

For this course, cheating is defined as, but is not limited to, the following acts: Copying anyone's answers to questions, exercises, study guides, class work or homework

assignments Taking any information verbatim from any source, including the Internet, without giving proper

credit to the author, or rearranging the order of words and/or changing some words as written by the author and claiming the work as his or her own, i.e., plagiarism.

Looking onto another student's paper during a test or quiz. Having available any study notes or other test aids during a test or quiz without the teacher's

permission. Collaborating on assignments when independent work is expected.

Note: Consequence of cheating will result in exclusion from extra credit opportunities.

CLASSROOM BLOG:Throughout the year, students are expected to use the classroom blog daily. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to check the blog and come prepared to the next class. All handouts and assignments will be posted daily to the blog. I update my class blog daily and strongly recommend that both students and parents make a habit of checking the blog for announcements, information about daily lessons and assignments, and handouts/assignments.

My blog: https://mscoylesclass.wordpress.com/

FINAL THOUGHTS:First and foremost, I am excited to work with you this semester. I am looking forward to a GREAT semester of learning and fun. You have elected to take a demanding college-level class in the study of English Language Arts. My expectations of you are high because of your desire to achieve. Avoid procrastination and shortcuts as they will only hurt your chances of success. This course requires your diligence and attention. You will succeed as an individual according to the effort put into the course. Please see me with any concerns or issues.

SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TEACHER: Mrs. Coyle COURSE: AP LiteraturePLEASE VISIT MY BLOG TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE CLASS SYLLABUS AT

https://mscoylesclass.wordpress.com/

PARENTAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I understand the academic integrity policy as stated in this syllabus. I have reviewed the class syllabus and understand the grading policy. I give my child permission to view the listed movies, and any other movies chosen by the

teacher at or below a R rating that are related to the curriculum of the class. I give permission for my child to read the class readings noted in the syllabus. I understand that my student is responsible for selecting his or her own sustained silent

reading text. I give my child permission to participate in the online blog. I am willing to be contacted by e-mail, phone, and regular mail regarding my student’s

progress. I will contact my student’s teacher at any time regarding any concerns with the class

curriculum or my student’s progress. I have viewed the required materials for this class. I have access to the Internet and will access the Synergy parent feature to check on my child's

progress. I understand that teachers will make every effort to post grades within two weeks upon receipt

of student work. However, posting of grades for common assessments/tasks may take longer than two weeks.

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I understand the academic integrity police as stated in this syllabus. I have reviewed the class syllabus and understand the grading policy. I will participate in the online activities associated with the blog. I will model mature behavior I will positively and actively participate in my education and take all make-up work

responsibility upon myself to ensure my success in class. I will bring all of the required materials to class (pen, required reading, paper, and folder). I will contact my teacher at any time regarding any concerns or questions concerning the class

curriculum or my personal progress in her class. I have access to the Internet and will access Synergy to check on my progress.

Student Name: __________________________________________________________________PLEASE PRINT

__________________________________________________________(Student Signature)

__________________________________________________________(Parent Signature)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________(Parent e-mail and preferred contact telephone number) PLEASE PRINTComments:

First Period AP Lit. Sign-up:

Second Period AP Lit. Sign-up: