AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION SYLLABUS
The link above is for the official JHS syllabus. The following is working syllabus.
This AP course is designed to prepare students to take the AP English Language and Composition exam in May. A score of 4 or 5 on this exam will earn the student freshman composition credit at most colleges and universities. If in doubt whether or not a particular university accepts AP credit, look at their website or contact them directly. This AP course is weighted 5.0. Taking the course does not guarantee college credit; only a favorable outcome (score of 4 or 5) on the College Board's AP exam can assure that credit at a participating institution. There is no fee for this class, however students must meet the criteria outlined below. If a student drops the class before completing the entire year, the student loses the weighted portion of the credit. The student is still eligible, however, to take the AP exam in May, but will be personally responsible for the expense of the test. For students who have successfully completed (are pasing) the course, Joplin R-8 will pay the associated exam fees. Students who sign up to take the test and do not attend on test day will be responsible to pay for that test.
This AP course is designed to prepare students to take the AP English Language and Composition exam in May. A score of 4 or 5 on this exam will earn the student freshman composition credit at most colleges and universities. If in doubt whether or not a particular university accepts AP credit, look at their website or contact them directly. This AP course is weighted 5.0. Taking the course does not guarantee college credit; only a favorable outcome (score of 4 or 5) on the College Board's AP exam can assure that credit at a participating institution. There is no fee for this class, however students must meet the criteria outlined below. If a student drops the class before completing the entire year, the student loses the weighted portion of the credit. The student is still eligible, however, to take the AP exam in May, but will be personally responsible for the expense of the test. For students who have successfully completed (are pasing) the course, Joplin R-8 will pay the associated exam fees. Students who sign up to take the test and do not attend on test day will be responsible to pay for that test.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for the intense study of rhetorical style and composition. Students enrolling in this course will read a variety of nonfiction: essays, biographies, news articles, political speeches, editorials and advertisements for the purpose of rhetorical analysis and critique. Students will study grammar as it pertains to syntax and diction. Students will create compositions analyzing the works of others. Students will study argumentation and write argumentative essays. Students will study MLA format and write a source-based (research) paper. The course culminates in the College Board's AP exam in May. With a score of 4 or 5, students can expect to earn college credit toward their freshman composition course (at the discretion of the admitting institution).
MAJOR COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will write a variety of essay types for a specific audience and purpose.
Students will be familiar with rhetorical terms, theory, and application.
Students will analyze a given essay using as criteria the rhetorical devices used by that author.
Students will understand argumentative theory and will be able to successfully argue a point in an essay.
Students will write a source-based (research) paper using correct MLA format.
Students will write a variety of sentence types and structures.
REQUIREMENTS
To enroll in this course, juniors must have completed CA1 Pre-AP with a B or above as a freshman and CA2 Pre-AP with a B or above as a sophomore or seniors must have completed CA3-CP as a junior. It is strongly suggested that students have taken the PLAN test or the ACT test. Students should have a teacher recommendation from their CA2 Pre-AP teacher.
CLASS PARTICIPATION AND EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to be college-bound or aimed toward significant academic study; the material and skills covered in this course tend toward that goal.
No electronic devices, food, or drink are allowed in the classroom.
Students are expected to have all assignments ready on time at the beginning of class.
Students are expected to do work outside of class that is required, such as reading or writing or keeping a journal.
Students should participate to receive full benefit from the class.
Students should be prepared to work in groups as well as individually.
Students should come to class with an attitude conducive to learning.
LATE WORK / MAKE-UP WORK / TUTORING
Late work is not accepted if the student wants full credit. Absolutely no work is accepted more than one day late. Students should contact the teacher if they know an absence is upcoming.
Tutoring is at designated times.
TEXTBOOKS
Everyday Use: Rhetoric at Work in Reading and Writing, second edition
One Hundred Great Essays, fourth edition
The Norton Reader, twelfth edition
GRADE DISTRIBUTION (by quarter; subject to review and change)
10% Attendance and participation
20% General essay writing
20% Routine assessments
10% Daily work
30% Major quarter essay, or major quarter assessment
10% Final Exam
GRADING SCALE
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
59 or below F
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY
Academic dishonesty will be dealt with as described in the JHS Student Handbook. Cheating or plagiarism will receive a zero that cannot be made up; parents will be notified, and students will receive 3 days ISD.
This course is designed for the intense study of rhetorical style and composition. Students enrolling in this course will read a variety of nonfiction: essays, biographies, news articles, political speeches, editorials and advertisements for the purpose of rhetorical analysis and critique. Students will study grammar as it pertains to syntax and diction. Students will create compositions analyzing the works of others. Students will study argumentation and write argumentative essays. Students will study MLA format and write a source-based (research) paper. The course culminates in the College Board's AP exam in May. With a score of 4 or 5, students can expect to earn college credit toward their freshman composition course (at the discretion of the admitting institution).
MAJOR COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will write a variety of essay types for a specific audience and purpose.
Students will be familiar with rhetorical terms, theory, and application.
Students will analyze a given essay using as criteria the rhetorical devices used by that author.
Students will understand argumentative theory and will be able to successfully argue a point in an essay.
Students will write a source-based (research) paper using correct MLA format.
Students will write a variety of sentence types and structures.
REQUIREMENTS
To enroll in this course, juniors must have completed CA1 Pre-AP with a B or above as a freshman and CA2 Pre-AP with a B or above as a sophomore or seniors must have completed CA3-CP as a junior. It is strongly suggested that students have taken the PLAN test or the ACT test. Students should have a teacher recommendation from their CA2 Pre-AP teacher.
CLASS PARTICIPATION AND EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to be college-bound or aimed toward significant academic study; the material and skills covered in this course tend toward that goal.
No electronic devices, food, or drink are allowed in the classroom.
Students are expected to have all assignments ready on time at the beginning of class.
Students are expected to do work outside of class that is required, such as reading or writing or keeping a journal.
Students should participate to receive full benefit from the class.
Students should be prepared to work in groups as well as individually.
Students should come to class with an attitude conducive to learning.
LATE WORK / MAKE-UP WORK / TUTORING
Late work is not accepted if the student wants full credit. Absolutely no work is accepted more than one day late. Students should contact the teacher if they know an absence is upcoming.
Tutoring is at designated times.
TEXTBOOKS
Everyday Use: Rhetoric at Work in Reading and Writing, second edition
One Hundred Great Essays, fourth edition
The Norton Reader, twelfth edition
GRADE DISTRIBUTION (by quarter; subject to review and change)
10% Attendance and participation
20% General essay writing
20% Routine assessments
10% Daily work
30% Major quarter essay, or major quarter assessment
10% Final Exam
GRADING SCALE
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
59 or below F
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY
Academic dishonesty will be dealt with as described in the JHS Student Handbook. Cheating or plagiarism will receive a zero that cannot be made up; parents will be notified, and students will receive 3 days ISD.