Syllabus

English 4 AP Literature and Composition   Erich Schliebe 

Fall 2020 Course Syllabus     [email protected] 

 

 

Course Overview: 

“The AP English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.” (College Board Website) 


Overall Expectations: 

As this course offers the opportunity for college credit, it will be more rigorous than a standard high school class.  It is imperative that you come to class prepared, having done the required readings and coursework, ready to contribute each day.  You will be asked to read a lot of imaginative literature (short stories, longer fiction, drama, and poetry) and we will approach the readings with a deep and analytical eye, so please do not give them short shrift.  This class will utilize peer writing workshops; we will be working together and learning from one another. As such, respect for the efforts, talents, and ideas of your fellow classmates is imperative. At the end of the semester, you will be a more proficient writer and critical thinker, poised for success on the AP exam.  All rules and regulations as specified in the student handbook will be followed. 

Remote Learning Expectations:
While school is conducted virtually, you are expected to conduct yourself as if we were in a traditional face-to-face classroom. This pertains to dress, behavior, effort, etc. Simply put: if it is unacceptable on campus, please don't do it while remotely learning.


Grading:  

Grading will be upon the ten-point scale as specified in the student handbook. Grades will be weighted as follows: 50% Tests/Formal Papers/Projects, 25% Quizzes, 25% Homework/Classwork.   


Text required (school provided):

- Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound, & Sense, 13th Edition, by Johnson & Arp
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
- Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
- The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde


Supplies required: 

Computer and internet access (Please let me know of any technological issues)
Copies of texts being discussed
Any materials which will aid in organization and understanding.



AP Test: 

This class is built upon the guidelines required by the College Board Advanced Placement Program.  The material covered and skills learned will help to prepare students for success on the AP exam, and possible college credit.  Each student signed up for this class is required to sit for the AP exam in the Spring. Students will have optional opportunities to review and practice for the exam between the end of the class and the day of the exam


Unit Breakdown with anchor texts: 

Tradition & Progress

(Focus: Introduction to close reading and literature terms, Formalist critical approach) 

Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

 

Conformity & Rebellion
(Focus: Conflict and Figurative Language, Psychoanalytic critical approach) 

Hamlet - William Shakespeare

 

Family & Duty

(Focus: Narration and Characterization, Historical critical approach) 

As I Lay Dying - William Faulkner

 

Love & Relationships
(Focus: Tone and Satire, Structural critical approach) 

The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde

 

Identity & Culture
(Focus: Setting and Symbolism, Marxist critical approach)

Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison



Plagiarism:

While this class will feature some collaborative learning and group work, unless explicitly stated, all work submitted for grading must be of your own doing, demonstrating your own thinking.  Cutting and pasting from the internet will not be allowed. Simply rephrasing articles or notes found online will also not be tolerated. Instances of plagiarism will be dealt with as outlined in the student handbook.  If you have questions about what constitutes plagiarism, ask me before turning in an assignment.

Late Work:

Due dates for projects and papers will be posted on the calendar located on the class website.  The work assigned in this class is time-sensitive, builds upon itself, and is important to your learning.  It is not busy work. Therefore it is very important that you complete assignments in a timely manner. Please make every effort to turn in work when it is due.  If you think you will have difficulty meeting a due date, please see me beforehand.
Ten points will be deducted for each day, up to three days, an assignment is delinquent. After three days, no credit can be given for any late work. Also, familiarize yourself with the student handbook section concerning work missed due to absence.  It is your responsibility to submit work in a timely manner - I will not chase you down to complete delinquent assignments.

Extra Help:

I am often available after class for extra assistance.  Please talk with me to set up time if you are interested.