Mrs. Theresa Christian
Room 60
Periods 2/3
Planning Period 4
AP Language and Composition Syllabus
Advanced Placement Language and Composition Grades 10 & 11
Course Profile- This course is designed to provide students in grades ten and eleven with college level
instruction in a high school setting. As such, the curriculum will work within the framework of American
literature as it provides opportunities for the development of higher level thinking skills through
increased depth of content at an accelerated pace. Students enrolled in this course will be encouraged
to develop their skills as both insightful readers and effective writers. An emphasis will be placed on
analyzing rhetorical devices and strategies, synthesizing information from multiple sources to support
argument, and developing test-taking skills. To that end, individual studentteacher conferences will
occur regularly. During the writing process, students will have the opportunity to discuss current drafts,
to revise their work, and to submit a final draft which will be eligible for further revision after scoring.
The focus of pre-revision meetings will be individualized; however, common areas will be the use and
development of organizational strategies including rhetorical structure(s) appropriate to the current
assignment, use of transitions, parallel structure, and how to best represent and convey their ideas.
Additionally, peers will examine one another’s drafts using the “Gossipy Reading” Model. This model
requires that two students read aloud the work of a third who is required to remain silent during the
reading and discussion (gossip) about his or her work. Hearing one’s work often provides much insight
as to coherence, clarity, and efficacy. Post-revision feedback will be provided in the form of written
comments from the instructor, opportunity to request clarification, and elaboration at student request.
Course Objectives- Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Effectively analyze
and interpret rhetorical devices, strategies, and techniques
2. Effectively apply rhetorical devices,
strategies, and techniques
3. Develop original arguments based on readings, research, and personal
experience
4. Effectively synthesize information from multiple sources and varying perspectives to
sustain an original argument
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the various elements of citations
written in various styles
6. Demonstrate an understanding and mastery of the conventions of written
English especially diction and syntax
7. Demonstrate stylistic maturity in written work with an emphasis
on content, purpose, and audience
8. Effectively utilize the stages of the writing process 9. Define,
understand, and apply academic vocabulary
Assessments- These will include, but not be limited to:
1. Formal writing with revision
2. Informal
Writing
3. Timed Writing
4. Homework
5. Class notes/participation
6. AP Test Analysis/Debate
7.Tests/Quizzes
Grading- Formal student writing will be graded based on the nine point AP Rubric. Students will be
provided with the opportunity for revision after teacher/peer conferences. After revision, a new score
will be received based on the same rubric. Informal writing will be graded on the four point scholarly
paragraph rubric. It is important to note that students will also receive points for the completion of and
participation in Test Analysis/Debate, classroom discussion, tests, quizzes, etc. Additionally, all out of
class assignments will be graded (both formally and/or for completion) and will be due at the beginning
of each class period. Marking Period and Final averages will be weighted 1.08% as per the Berwick Area School District’s grading policy.
Texts- 1. In Cold Blood (nonfiction novel) 2. Into the Wild (biography) 3. Prentice Hall Literature: The
American Experience (selected nonfiction texts including poems, speeches, essays, letters, narrative
accounts, and autobiographical excerpts) 4. The Merchant of Venice (drama) 5. The Language of
Composition by Renee Shea, Lawrence Scanlon, and Robin Dissin Aufses (specific selections will be listed
in course outline) 6. Advanced Composition Skills by Steven Fox (specific selections will be listed in
course outline) 7. A Pocket Style Manual 6th Edition by Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers (pp. 104155
“MLA Papers”) 9. Pride and Prejudice 10. The Crucible
Class Rules:
Classroom rules
1. Wear a mask at all times
2. Sanitize your area
3. Books under your chair
4. No Cell Phones
5. Bathroom rules: One at a time; Must sign out and in; Wash your hands
6. Always sign out if you leave the room for any reason
7. Drinks on the floor
8. Sanitizing station outside of room
9. Manners
10. Absolutely NO eating in the classroom
11. Homework must be completed and turned in prior to entering class
12. Grading
13. All work must be turned electronically
14. School rules
15. Always raise your hand
16. One person talks at a time
17. Be prepared for class
18. Social distance and Wash your hands
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL YEAR!!!
Assignment 2: Vocabulary Unit 1 *You will find this unit in your in Google Classroom
Complete Unit 1 and use 10 vocab words in original sentences. Be sure to include context clues to help identify each word.
*The Vocab is Due Friday, 8/28 (All sections)
Turn in Unit 1 and the sentences separately. I will explain in class.
All assignments will be turned in to www.turnitin.com
Please turn in to www.turnitin.com
TURNITIN.COM DIRECTIONS
Please turn in to www.turnitin.com
I. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
The assignment must be turned in to www.turnitin.com:
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A TURNITIN.COM ACOUNT
1. go to www.turnitin.com and sign in
*If you forgot your personal password, just click on Forgot Password.
-turnitin.com will send it to you in your email.
2. IF you have a turnitin.com account:
A. You must add the class
Class number:25991076
Enrollment Key: aplang
3. Upload the Key Point Worksheets to the assignment entitled:
Part1: Key Point Worksheets
4. Upload the Novel Questions to the assignment entitled:
Novel Questions
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A TURNITIN.COM ACOUNT
1. Go to www.turnitin.com
2. In the upper right corner, click on CREATE NEW ACCOUNT
3. On this page, scroll down until you see Create a New Account / NEW ENROLLMENT
4. Under New Enrollment, Click on Student
A. You must add the class:
Enrollment Key: aplang
**You MUST use your district email.
EX:
23msmith@berwicksd.org
(23 = graduation year, m= first initial, smith= last name)
You must use YOUR personal information
It will also ask you to make a personal password. You are responsible for remembering this password. I do not have access to it.
*If you forget your personal password, just click on Forgot Password.
-turnitin.com will send it to you in your email.
