AP Language and Composition

Course Syllabus
Mrs. White Contact Info
o Classroom: 321A before school 7:15-8:25; Periods 3, 6, 8; after school until
3:45
o Classroom phone: (216) 371-7101 x81321
o Email: [email protected]
Please do not hesitate to use any of these at any time.


Overview
This class is a study of language and its usage. We will analyze and emulate writers styles and
their use of rhetorical devices, such as syntax, imagery, and diction. Through close reading,
we will establish authors purpose, tone and audience and analyze how the author meets each
of those needs. We will use this knowledge to transform and adapt our own writing. This
course mainly relies on nonfiction essays and texts, with a few fiction pieces as well. Overall,
the goal for the class is for a student to intelligently analyze and use rhetorical techniques to
be able to comprehend and comment on any text.

Students enrolled in this class will expect an intensive writing experience, with both informal
and formal writing assignments on a consistent basis. These assignments include journals,
timed essays, researched essays, revised works, responding to reading, reflective writing, peer
and self-evaluations, and many other activities. Our essay focuses will be analysis of rhetoric,
synthesis of sources and persuasion. The ultimate goal is to increase the students
understanding and use of rhetorical techniques.

This class is designed to mirror an introductory college writing course, with the end goal of
completing the AP Test and earning college credit. Students are encouraged to read the
College Board website and use additional tools, such as practice tests and past questions
listed on the College Board site, to prepare themselves for the AP Test.

Units
1. Close Reading & Exposition
2. Description
3. Exemplification
4. Narration
5. Argumentation
6. Combining Strategies
7. Satire
8. Synthesis Research
9. Post-Test: Creative nonfiction
10. Elements from all units tend to overlap and are integrated throughout the
yearlong curriculum.

Texts
Writing with a Purpose, Joseph F. Trimmer
The Writers Options, Max Morenberg & Jeff Sommers
The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner
Thank You For Arguing, Jay Heinrichs
On Writing Well, William Zinsser
The Things They Carried, Tim OBrien
Selected essays and news articles
Independent Reading Lists come from either the AP College Board or the American
Library Association

Portfolios
Students should keep all writing assignments in a folder or binder in order to refer to
them throughout the year. These will not be recollected; therefore, it is the students
responsibility to keep and maintain each assignment.

Classroom Rules
Show respect for me, for your peers, and for the classroom. Have a positive
attitude.
Be on time; I will follow our attendance policy as written.
Be prepared, bringing all materials to class daily.
Bring only water to class; no other food or drink will be permitted.

Materials
3-ring binders or folders to keep all handouts, notes and assignments for this
class only. You may use a section of this for your portfolio.
Writers notebook
Internet access
Writing utensil

Attendance
It is your responsibility to seek out make-up work if you are absent.
Please take a Make-Up Work Request Form from the back table and place on
the teachers desk. Also check the class bin for any handouts.
You will have the same number of days that you were excused absent to make
up missed assignments.

Grades
Each assignment will be worth a point value between 10 and 100 depending on the
intensity of the work.

Journal Writes/Homework: 20%
Friday Quizzes & Multiple Choice quizzes: 25%
Formal writing: 30%
AP Timed essays: 25%

Weekly Assignments
o Due each Monday (or first day of the week): 2 articles on any topic with article
analysis
o Every Monday: Multiple choice practice or timed essay practice (alternate)
o Every Monday: Vocabulary words assigned for quiz on Friday. It is the students
responsibility to study and know these words by Friday of each week.
o Every Friday: Quiz over weeks topic and AP vocabulary

Late Work
Projects, papers and homework will be accepted up to one week late for a
reduced grade of 10% per day.
Individual presentations may be made up; however, a group presentation may
not. Your group will go on without you. Consideration for your work in
preparation for the group presentation will be based on my observation of
your in-class effort; you will have to complete some sort of an alternative
assignment after I have considered the contribution you made to the group.

Plagiarism
:To steal the language, ideas, and/or thoughts from another, and to represent them as ones own
original work.
The first offense of plagiarism or suspicion of plagiarism will result in one of
the following choices: a zero or a complete rewrite of the piece.
The second offense of plagiarism or suspicion of plagiarism may result in a
loss of credit for the quarter.