Advanced Placement 11th Grade



Advanced Placement 11th Grade

English Language and Composition

Course Description and Syllabus 2011-2012

Teacher: Ms. Linsey Kitchens, room 205

E-mail: Lkitchens@swdsd.k12.wa.us (preferred method of communication)

Phone: (360) 855-4055

Class Website:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The AP English Language and Composition course utilizes a chronological and thematic use of American literature as the main vehicle to study language and rhetoric. This course provides an opportunity for advanced high school students to pursue and earn credit for college-level work completed at the high school level. Accordingly, the rigors of the course are intended to correspond with the expectations of introductory college-level rhetorical and composition courses. Students will be trained to be excellent critical thinkers, readers, analysts of language, effective writers, and creative, cogent producers of argument. The focus of the course will be writing, and students will need to write effectively for a range of audiences and a variety of purposes.

COURSE SYLLABUS

SUBMITTING WORK

All homework (unless noted otherwise) must be typed, double-spaced, using 12-point font. Work that is not typed will not be accepted and will receive late credit if typed and handed in the following day. Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Homework turned in later in the period or later in the school day will be considered late and will be docked 25%.

Technical Difficulties: If a student experiences computer/printer problems, he or she should use a friend’s or the school library’s computers. Students can also email the assignment as an attachment to their e-mail account or to my account (lkitchens@swsd.k12.wa.us). I am happy to print out assignments at the beginning of the school day— Please note: I will not interrupt my teaching duties to print student work; therefore, any work requested to be printed by me must be submitted prior to 7:30am. Otherwise, it will be consider late. Students can print out assignments at the library before class. Students will not be permitted to print their work before or during class.

LATE AND MAKE-UP POLICY

Assignments are accepted one day late at 75% credit.

If a student is absent for part of the day because of a doctor’s appointment, field trip, or illness, the assignment is still due. The student is responsible for turning in the assignment before leaving campus. If a student brings it in the next day, it will be treated as late work.

In cases of unexcused absences (truancies), no credit will be given for homework, class work, quizzes, or tests.

When a student is absent, it is his or her responsibility to make-up work that was missed. Students should visit our class website to see what daily assignments and homework they missed. Often, attachments (PowerPoints, worksheets, etc.) will be available to download. All make-up work is due the following day unless noted.

Students must make-up tests and quizzes the day they return from school. Make-ups will be given Tuesdays after school or by appointment.

PROCEDURES & MATERIALS

o Starting class- students are to be seated when the bell rings. Students should have homework as well as paper and pen out as to be ready upon the teacher’s opening remarks.

o Materials- it is recommended that all students have a 3-ring binder, a notebook or plenty of paper, pens, a student planner or daybook, and highlighters.

o Bathroom passes- no passes are given except for emergencies.

GRADING

Grades in the class are based on a point-earned system. Grades are given for quizzes, tests, homework, presentations, written work, and projects. Timed writing is a significant part of the grade. It is always scored with the standard nine-point AP rubric (this is a national rubric). In general, students must be able to score at least a “6” on timed writings by the semester to receive a ‘B’ in the class, and a 7 or higher to earn an ‘A’. Students should keep all work to provide a check for possible recording errors. Class grades will be awarded on the percent of points possible using the following scale:

A 90-100% C 70-79% F 0-59%

B 80-89% D 60-69%

Taking the AP exam is not mandatory although it is encouraged. Students, however, will still be required to participate in AP preparation, essays, and tests. If students opt not to take the AP exam, they will instead take a multiple choice final second semester. Any student who has financial concerns about taking the AP exam should fill out a fee waiver form during exam ordering time.

TEACHER AVAILABILITY and PARENT/STUDENT CONTACT

The best time for students to get individual help is after school. I expect students to be willing to rearrange their work, sports, and extra-curricular activities in support of their academic achievement. Every Tuesday from 2:30-3:30 I host a writing workshop, where students can receive one-on-one feedback and assistance to improve their writing or reading skills. If a student continues to score a four or below past the mid-semester mark, I expect the student to regularly attend Tuesday’s writing workshops. Keep in mind, writing is a skill and takes a significant amount of time to refine and master. It is only through contentious and diligent efforts that one will improve.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need assistance. Our class website is a great place to obtain specific, detailed information regarding course content, texts examined and structure of the class.

Thank you for your involvement in your student’s academic achievement!

M. Linsey Kitchens

lkitchens@swsd.k12.wa.us (Preferred method of communication)

(360) 855-4055

Class Website:

TEACHER COPY

Advanced Placement Language and Composition

Please read and review the course description and syllabus with a parent or guardian. Please sign this sheet, acknowledging that you and your parent/ guardian understand the rules and requirements of this class.

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

Student Signature Student Name (Printed) Date

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Student Phone Student Email

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

Guardian Signature Printed Name Date

__________________________ ___________________________

Guardian Phone Guardian Email

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