English 130
Name of Course: English 130-AP Language and Composition
Instructor: John Williams
jhnwil@aol.com or jwilliams@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Extension 113
Course Description:
AP English Language and Composition is a rigorous full-year course designed for students who have previously distinguished themselves in English classes and wish to further challenge themselves through an intensive study of literature, writing, and rhetoric. Students should expect to develop their skills as careful, close readers, learning to read with a deeper understanding of the choices writers make.
A particular focus of the class is the study of rhetoric, briefly defined as a writer or speaker’s understanding of a given situation, and the ability to make choices in order to achieve a specific purpose. We’ll carefully examine the techniques authors use and choices authors make, paying particular attention to the components of effective argument. There will be a particular focus on nonfiction texts, but since 11th grade English focuses on British literature, we’ll also read a great deal of literature from that tradition (including voices from England as well as those from current and former British colonies).
Writing is a major component of the class. Students should be prepared to write often, with a particular focus on the writing of clear and sophisticated rhetorical analyses, effective arguments, and thoughtful essays that synthesize multiple sources in service of a unified goal.
While this course will not focus on test prep, you should rest assured that our work is designed to prepare you for the AP Exam, should you decide to take it.
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Course Objectives:
Close Reading & Analysis:
This class offers a particular focus on reading rhetorically in order to comprehend the meaning of a text and develop a deeper understanding of the ways writers make strategic choices in given situations, make and support their claims in a variety of ways, develop their ideas, acknowledge and respond to opposing arguments, and make thoughtful stylistic choices. You’ll read a variety of texts that designed to challenge you as a reader and encourage you to become a more careful and intentional reader. Course readings will be a combination of nonfiction and fiction.
Writing and Compositional Skills
· Writing is an important component of the course and a major factor in your grade. You will write often throughout the year, both informally and formally. We will discuss the careful choices that sophisticated writers make to communicate effectively with purpose in a variety of situations, and you’ll be expected to make those choices in your own writing. Assessment of writing will be rigorous, and through regular practice, you’ll learn to be a more careful, conscious, and flexible writer who can make effective choices.
· Because an understanding of language is essential to effective communication, we’ll also spend some time studying vocabulary and grammar, with a particular focus on rhetorical grammar (the
way linguistic and syntactic choices affect a piece of writing and help a writer achieve that goal).
Engaging in the Critical Conversation
Our work is an ongoing conversation—about writing, about communication, about language and literature, about ideas. You’ll practice thinking actively and critically in this class. You are required to take an active role in our work, and with collaboration and discussion, you will challenge yourself to think deeply, critically, and creatively.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Each day that we meet, you should make sure that you have all materials that are necessary to continue our work. That includes:
· any text we are studying
· a way to take notes and annotate (notebook, pens, pencils, highlighters, or access to digital note-taking and annotating resources if we’re learning remotely)
· At least one folder to organize relevant class handouts. (We will likely use a combination of physical and digital resources.)
· Chromebook (for times that we’ll need access to digital resources or remote learning)
class readings (tentative)
Because 11th Grade English courses at LHS are aligned with the study of British literature, there will be a particular emphasis on works/authors with the British literary tradition—including authors associated with current or former British colonies.
Potential texts include but are not limited to
· Classic and contemporary essays and speeches
· Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (11th Grade summer reading novel)
· Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
· Beowulf
· William Shakespeare, Macbeth
· Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest
· British fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from a wide range of authors
FACTORS IN YOUR GRADE
Writing
Because the focus of the course is on developing a deeper understanding of writing and composition, your own writing will be the major component of your grade in the course. You will have numerous opportunities to write, and while not all of it will be assessed or graded, you must complete written
work in a timely fashion. You will be given regular feedback on your writing from me as well as from your peers, and you should use that feedback to help you improve your writing.
Grading:
Tests and major written or verbal projects, quizzes and in class writing, and homework will all be assigned point values based on their relative importance to a successful completion. The final grade will reflect the percentage of points earned divided by the available points. Grading updates may be obtained from the instructor at any time. All assignments are due on the date they are assigned to be due. Late work may be accepted at the discretion of the instructor at a significant reduction in grade.
Attendance:
A student who misses seven classes in one quarter may fail for the quarter. At the teacher's discretion, the student may receive the lesser of a grade of 59 or the actual grade earned. The student is responsible for any work missed due to absence. The student should contact the instructor BEFORE any absences, and the student is responsible for any missing work. Assignments will be posted on the classroom, and it is the student’s responsibility to complete work in a timely fashion.
If you arrive late or are dismissed early:
· You are expected to submit work that was due that day
· It is your responsibility to make arrangements to make up anything that you missed
If you know in advance that you will be absent (due to a school activity, or a family or personal obligation)
It is your responsibility to communicate such absences in advance and make arrangements with me to complete work.
LHS ABSENCE POLICY: School policy mandates that your grade be reduced by a full letter grade if you cut class, and by at least one percentage point if you are tardy for class.
Extra help:
The instructor is available by appointment.
course and classroom policies:
There are four basic rules:
-be on time
-be prepared with books, notebooks, pencil, etc
-do your assigned work-participate in class
-demonstrate respect for your fellow students and your teacher
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
BOOKS: Your books are on loan and must not be damaged or lost. You will be held financially responsible for any lost or unduly damaged textbook.
HEADING: All assignments should be clearly labeled with your name, class number and block, date submitted, and my name.
CHEATING: Any incident of cheating (plagiarism or copying others work IS cheating) will receive an automatic zero and require a parental consultation.
ALL OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE CLEARLY OUTLINED IN YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOK.