AP English Language and Composition KGF’s Syllabus
Ms. Gosen-Fowler (a.k.a. Ms. GoFo/GoFo/KGF)
kfowler@westfieldnjk12.org
Office Hours: Periods 1 (by appt. in Writing Center), 2, 4 (W & F), 6, 9 - schedule via email
Course Description
Advanced Placement Language and Composition demands rigorous academic standards, sophisticated analytical and critical thinking, and articulate written and oral expression. Implicit in the AP program is the expectation of maturity for independent scholarship and intelligent interaction in a seminar setting. The primary goal of AP Language and Composition is increased awareness of the relationship among language, meaning, and purpose.
As in the college course for which this AP course is a substitute, its purpose is to enable students to read complex texts written in a variety of periods, disciplines and rhetorical contexts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity in order to communicate effectively with mature writers. Through their reading and writing, students are aware of the interactions amongst a writer’s purpose, audience expectations and subjects as well as the way conventions and resources contribute to effective writing.
This course is recommended for students who can read and write college level material. These students should be committed to the study of rhetoric and seek to develop their skills in this area. Relative to the course expectations, students should be able to achieve the following: read more extensively; study and discuss language in greater depth; write more comprehensive, critical and varied compositions; complete more independent reading and analysis; and experiment with more sophisticated elements of style and voice. Upon completion of this course, students should plan to take the Advanced Placement Exam; however, you must register for the exam this fall. If you are uncertain about your decision, I am here as a sounding board.
Course Overview
Language is a way in. Like music or mathematics, language gives access to the core question: What does it mean to be human? At a certain level, language permits us the very tools for considering, period; nouns are names, handles for concrete entities and abstract concepts alike. Our capacity to process and master language is part of what distinguishes homosapiens. The stakes are high: to the extent that our most powerful language gives expression to crises of existence, we will necessarily dwell some in the depths this year. Get ready to think, to listen, to speak.
We experience a wide range of language—from Bruce Springsteen songs to Hallmark cards; from bumper stickers, Twitter posts and take-out menus to gossip, prayers and table talk; from drama and films to editorials and cartoons; from short stories and essays to documentaries and websites. Consistent discussion, presentations, speeches, and student-selected Fab Friday Language presentations ensure that a chorus of voices is heard each week. And we write as wide a range: compositions for the course span the breezy online post and the research-based argumentative essay.
Rhetoric—for us, the persuasive potential of language—will play a significant role in our forays into argumentation, essay writing, oratory, and advertising. Class discussions and the online forum explore the implications of how we manipulate as well as succumb to language. Our study of informal reasoning (a.k.a. argumentation) seeks to make better citizens of all of us through exploring the conventions of language by which controversies may be rigorously, reasonably, and respectfully resolved.
The workload and expectations for this year-long course compare to those for a semester of introductory English at the university level. Because I am familiar with the demands of senior year, including the pressure of the college application process, I seek to honor your time by assigning only the most worthwhile challenges in writing and reading. In return, please commit your best ideas to papers and discussions in class and online.
Marking Period Framework:
MP 1 – Defining Rhetoric and Argumentation
MP 2 – Further Analysis and Effective Argumentation
MP 3 – Visual & Spoken Argument: Reading & Rhetorical Analysis
MP 4 – Documentary, AP Final Exam Prep…Senior Project
FAB Fridays…
In December, we will commence with Fab Fridays, days in which partnered students will select a rhetorical focus and conduct a lesson for the class. Some effective topics explored by past Lang-ers are specific slices of campaign speeches, advertisements, art, college marketing, geography and dialect, etc. The possibilities are vast. Topic must be approved by me; additionally students must schedule 2 minimum meetings with me to prepare the lesson and review accompanying materials. Lessons may not be shared, borrowed, or taken from any other AP Lang student, including those in other classes; like your ideas, your presentation should be authentic.
Your Eagle Eye…
PLEASE bring to class articles/posts/images of interest, as you sharpen your “voice” radar, I would love to see the pieces that are striking you…you’ll note that we have Lang Boards all over the room…your interactions with voice will help us fill them. This course can take a turn in a new direction as we find up-to-the-minute, recently published materials of relevance…while we do have a framework for the year, I would like us to keep an open mind about relevant texts and topics for consideration…
Google Classroom: Our primary form of communication outside of class will be Google Classroom. Homework and assignments as well as handouts and links will be posted there so you may keep up with work should you miss class or misplace materials. Email and Google Chat/Hangout are more effective means of connecting remotely one-on-one
Website: You and your parents/guardians can also visit our class website, located on the district website: www.westfieldnjk12.org. Go to schools and select WHS. Then go to School Information and select Staff Directory. Type in Fowler and my website will pop up. Here homework and major assignments from GC will be posted on the class calendar. Please share this information with parents as they do have access to my website: https://sites.google.com/westfieldnjk12.org/kfowler
Make-up Work:
In the event that you miss a day of school, you are expected to discover what you missed from a friend in class or email me, preferably if you anticipate your absence; you should also consult Google Classroom for assigned work.
Late Work:
Work submitted late will have a late penalty attached to it. However, it is always better to submit work late rather than never! Extenuating circumstances, such as illness or an unexpected serious event or experience, do occur, however, and you should feel free to talk to me about it. If you know in advance that you will not be able to make a deadline, you should speak with me in advance about the possibility of an extension, which is up to an instructor’s discretion. Last-minute extension requests (e.g. emailing me at 11:30 the night before a paper is due after knowing about it for a week) are not entertained.
Genesis Portal and Grading Policy:
Grading for each marking period will be on a point system -- homework checks from 5-10 points, quizzes 15-30 points, class work from 10-30 points, multiple choice series – 20-40 points, essays from 40-80 points, in-class writing tests, from 50-70 points. Marking period totals will vary depending on the number of days and assignments…rough estimates are 350-450 points per marking period. Full year grade is calculated according to the following: 20% per marking period, 10% midterm exam, 10% senior project presentation (in lieu of final exam).
The portal will be updated periodically. In addition, the conversation between instructor and student regarding assessments - and your commitment to reviewing feedback and rubrics - are most valuable as you look to develop yourself as a reader, writer, thinker, communicator, and human being.
Writing Center:
The Writing Center in the English Resource Center is open periods 1-8, and period 9 semester 2. You may schedule an appointment through the district website, my website or GC, to work with the English teacher on duty on an assignment. I am there period 1 this year.