Ms. Thompson

TThompson@raleighcharterhs.org

www.oocities.org/englishthompson

Welcome to Advanced Placement Literature and Composition. This English class is for students ready to challenge themselves with rigorous, college-level work.

In this class, students will

• read, analyze, and discuss British literature
• refine grammar and proofreading skills
• write on analytical and creative topics
• expand vocabulary
• develop public speaking skills

This class will prepare students to take the AP Literature and Composition test in May. A high score on this test may enable students to receive college credit for a literature course; students should check with particular colleges and universities for details.

I have only a few rules, but they are important. I promise to abide by them, too....

Be prepared. Doing the assigned homework is crucial. Students who do not keep up with the work jeopardize their grades and compromise the quality of the class. Students should be ready to work when class starts, with a pen or pencil, paper, homework, and book.

Be respectful. Please be respectful towards all members of our school community. This rule includes the obvious (for example, no verbal abuse) and the not-so-obvious (such as not interrupting during class discussions). Doing things in class unrelated to English (such as math homework or personal grooming) indicates a lack of respect for the academic community of the classroom.

Be motivated. This is a college-level course. I expect you to do your work thoroughly and come to class ready to participate and to learn.

We will read and analyze a variety of major works throughout the year, including some of your choice. You should have already bought at the book fair the novels and plays we will read; we will supplement those choices with selections from the textbook. We will be taking a chronological-thematic approach to British literature, with four main themes: The Moral Code (Pride and Prejudice and Brave New World), The Heroic Code (Beowulf, Hamlet, Heart of Darkness, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead), The Romantic Code (The Canterbury Tales, As You Like It, Renaissance poetry, The School for Scandal, Jane Eyre, an independent reading Victorian novel), and The Aesthetic Code (The Importance of Being Earnest, Dubliners, To the Lighthouse, Decline and Fall).

Writing assignments will range from analytical essays (some with secondary sources) to journal entries to poetry and short fiction.

I use a point system to compute grades; each assignment is worth a certain number of points, which I total at the end of nine weeks. Your grade will be based on quizzes, journals, writing assignments, projects, and tests. Expect 30-60 minutes of homework every night, with more over weekends and breaks.

Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Homework may be turned in one or two days late for half credit. Major assignments, worth 100 points, lose 10 points for every day late, up to a maximum penalty of 30 points. Quizzes, tests, and in-class presentations must be done on the date due unless a student is absent.

If you are absent, you must keep up with your work. If you miss a quiz or test, it is your responsibility to schedule the necessary makeup at lunch, before school, or after school. Quizzes and tests not taken by the end of the quarter receive a grade of 0.

Except during designated group work, you are expected to complete homework, classwork, and tests on your own. If you use someone else’s words—even a phrase—in an essay or assignment, you must cite your source with proper documentation. Cheating on an assignment or test results in a 0 on that assignment and disciplinary action. If you are concerned about a test or assignment, I will be happy to help you with it. Cheating is morally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

If you have questions, need help, or want to discuss something in more depth, please talk to me after class or sign up to see me at lunch, before school, or after school. I look forward to working with you.

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Please share this handout with a parent or guardian. When you have both read it, sign below:

I have read this handout and I understand the information presented about AP English.

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