NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH COURSE OUTLINE

I. Course Description:

Literature

The AP course is a challenging and stimulating experience that requires more effort, gives greater opportunity for individual accomplishment, and penetrates deeper into both the content of literature and the analysis of that content than does the regular high school English course. In this two semester course of AP, the literary content will be presented in a chronological manner so the student can relate better to the historical/cultural connection. The students will also analyze and synthesize writer’s ideas, literary works, and literary criticism. The study of British, Russian, Nigerian, and American poets, novelists, dramatists, and essayists completes the literary portion of this course.

Composition

The composition portion will stress that the student demands of himself a mastery of the skills of synthesis, namely, ordering ideas into a logical pattern, developing them with pertinent and valid detail, and effectively communicating them to the reader with clarity, fluency, and tact. Mastery of grammar, mechanics, and standard English usage must be attained.

Prerequisite: Junior English (acc=90+ average) or (reg=95+average)

Grade Level: 12

Recommended for: Students with an A average in English

Credit: 1 unit

Time Duration: 2 semesters

II. Course Competencies:

Literature

1. Read with a critical focus
2. List and discuss the literary techniques inherent in the specific works of literature studied.
3. Discuss the total effectiveness of the works studied.
4. Explicate one or more poems by identifying the major elements of prosody and explaining what each contributes to communicating the poet’s total experience.
5. Differentiate types of themes that may be written about a piece of literature by citing the strengths and weaknesses.
6. Write a variety of essays relating to assigned novels, literary periods, and literary theory.

Composition

1. View writing as a developed discipline that includes collecting information, formulating ideas and determining their relationships, drafting paragraphs and arranging them in an appropriate order with transitions between them, and revising what they have written.
2. Write as a way of discovering and clarifying ideas
3. Respond directly and efficiently to questions that require a timed essay, organizing quickly and clearly, focusing on major points that provide a competent response to the question as asked and developing each major point fully.
4. Write appropriately for different occasions, audiences, and purposes (persuading, explaining, describing, interpreting, criticizing)
5. Use the conventions of standard written English with skill and assurance.
6. Summarize clearly and accurately the ideas of others.
7. Collect data from secondary sources, use it judiciously, and document it accurately
8. Write creatively for personal enjoyment and the pleasure of others.
9. Write most essays using an analytical format.

III. Course Procedures:

All AP English students will be required to complete the senior project component, which is taught in conjunction with Technical Writing. All in-class writings should be in black or blue ink or pencil (as directed by teacher) and only on loose-leaf paper. Each formal response should be in MLA format with proper placement of components. Students will be assigned Question of the Day (ACT/SAT) activities and will receive a cumulative grade for the accurate completion of these activities.

IV. Major Projects and Assignments:

1. Question of the Day—Each class period will start with a question of the day (ACT/SAT), which will count as class work.
2. Daily Class Work and Homework—Grades may be taken each day on material that is covered in class.
3. Tests, essays, and quizzes—Tests will be divided by units and will include a variety of questions and question format. Essays will also be assigned throughout the school year and must follow MLA guidelines. Quizzes will be given as well. Nine weeks and semester exams will be given and will count 20% as indicated in the RCSD Student Handbook.
4. Projects—Each student will be assigned a variety of projects throughout the year. Some will be completed individually while others will be completed within a group. Each student will be assigned an oral presentation once per semester. The presentation itself will be graded according to the rubric used for Senior Project.
5. Novels/Plays—Students will be required to read specific novels throughout the year. Each student will complete all or some of the following: a test, a project, and an essay. The students are assigned summer reading and summer work as well as novel and play readings throughout the year.
6. Research paper—All students will complete a research paper, which is a component of the Senior Project. All papers must be 6-8 pages in length and in MLA format.

V. Assessment Plan:

Grades will be determined using a point system. Homework, some class work, and minor quizzes will carry a smaller point value than major tests, oral presentations, essays, and projects. Final research papers will count 400 points. Students’ averages are determined by dividing points earned by total possible points for the term. The total points earned by the end of the term counts 80%, and the exam counts 20%.

In addition, the following chart will help you determine how that work will be grades:

Grade	Scale	Description of Work
A	95-100	Consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of quality and effort. Having all work in on time and completed to exceed expectations. Mastery in evaluating, analyzing, synthesizing, and applying the principles of AP English IV
B	85-94	Consistently demonstrates proficient knowledge with a good effort and quality of work. All assignments are complete and on time. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate, analyze synthesize, and apply the principles of AP English IV.
C	75-84	Demonstrates proficient knowledge and the ability to apply and analyze AP English principles. Works shows average effort. A few assignments may be missed or late.
D	70-74	Work shows minimal effort and some assignments are late. Demonstrates a basic understanding of recalling or comprehending the principles of AP English IV.
F	Below 70	Understanding is below basic in relation to the principles of AP English IV. Work is of poor quality and does not meet standards or expectations.

VI. Extra Help:

Teachers are available each morning before school and after school each day to help you with any problems you may be having in this course. In addition, occasionally there will be a time set aside during Activity Period that you may come in for missed assignments and help. Free tutors are also available from organizations such as National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Beta Club. Teachers will have a copy of this information should you be interested.