AP English Literature and Composition
Instructor: Ms. T. S. Kooy
Phone #: 698-6700 Ext. 42626
Email: Tracey Kooy
Room #: 26 EKHS
Course Description:
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition is a college-level course stressing close and careful reading and thoughtful written analysis of literature. The course is designed to not only prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in May but also for a lifetime of reading and writing (especially as a critic of literature). If you successfully complete the examination in May, you can qualify for up to one semester of credit in English at the college you select. Although you are not required to take the national exam in May, the expectation is that you will take it—we work toward a strong finish in Advanced Placement Literature class.
Advanced Placement Literature is both demanding and intellectually stimulating. Approximately three-fifths of class time is spent learning to analyze literature, about two-fifths learning to write about literature. Students should come to class prepared and ready to share ideas. This class requires your best effort consistently, and emphasizes your developing independence of thought and mature habits of critical thinking. The reading assignments are rigorous and the writing assignments frequent; however, it is my belief that you will have a great experience in this class if you are willing to keep up and try your hardest.
Course Objectives:
This course complies with the curricular requirements described in the AP English Course Description.
Assessment based on the following:
Three Ring Binder:
Due to the exorbitant amount of handouts I give, you should purchase a three ring binder for this class. It is imperative that you stay organized and are prepared every single day. We will often refer to documents given weeks before and you need to have a system where you can access them expeditiously.
Procedures and Expectations
Assignments:
You will be held accountable for assignments even if you are absent. Students are expected to arrive for class on time and to be prepared to learn, participate, and read. Completed assignments are expected to be high quality and turned in on time. I always do a “formal turn in” of assignments.
If an assignment does not come in on time, please write the reason it is late on top of the paper. If it is excused, fabulous, you will get full credit. If it is unexcused, you might (depending on many variables) get some credit. I do not give busy work. Every assignment matters and they build on each other; therefore, it is crucial that you do the work and you do the work ON TIME. Chronic lateness will lower your grade.
Quizzes and Tests:
There will be periodic and surprise quizzes given in this class to ensure you are keeping up with the assigned reading. Other formal assessments are given at the end of each unit.
Make-up Work Policy and Getting Help:
I expect you to take full responsibility for all assignments you miss when absent. My highest recommendation is to never miss class. If you are unclear about a concept, please come see me before school, so I can take the time to explain things to you. If your absence is excused, you have a day to make up the work for every day that you missed. This policy does not apply to work assigned in advance.
Assignments Returned:
Near the front, under "Grendel's Arm" (if you have not yet noted this location, you can't miss it once you know it is there...) you will find a set of file with your hour posted on the front. Check to see if your work is in your personal file. If you miss a class and didn’t receive an assignment back, please look there first.
Participation:
You MUST participate. This room should be abuzz with interesting and thoughtful discussion. Curiosity and intellectual enthusiasm are two attributes that will help you succeed in any class, especially a college-level English class. You will be randomly called on and asked to contribute both ideas and sample writings. Answers of “I don’t know” are not acceptable and you will not be let off the hook until you say something meaningful. Scary? Maybe. But, a silent English classroom is brutal torture for all who sit through it. At the end of each semester, you and I will reflect on your participation level throughout the term. Your grade will get a bump if you are an active participant in class.
Phones:
The single greatest hindrance for success in here is phone distractions. Your phones ARE NOT to be visible in this class unless specifically stated. I will give a kind reminder once. If your phone use is habitual, there will be greater consequences including losing it for the remainder of the day.
Academic Bullying and Power of Kindness:
Any inappropriate incidents in class will result in negative consequences. I have high expectations for my students and will not tolerate interruptions, cut downs, scoffing, obscenities, criticisms or shaming based on race, gender, sexuality, weight, class, or ability. Be kind to one another and to me. I am here to cultivate stronger critical thinking and writing skills, so you can navigate this awesome world with intellect. I will do everything I can to help you achieve your potential; however, I expect at least that much effort on your part. If this is something you cannot commit to, perhaps AP Lit is not a proper fit for you.
AP Lit Mantras:
Be Ready to Learn
Be Many-Minded
Work Hard and Persevere
Be Curious
Think and
Think Harder
Show Kindness
Be Your Authentic Self
Take Risks and
Make Mistakes
Do Your Best
Learn From Others
Dream Big
Phone #: 698-6700 Ext. 42626
Email: Tracey Kooy
Room #: 26 EKHS
Course Description:
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition is a college-level course stressing close and careful reading and thoughtful written analysis of literature. The course is designed to not only prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in May but also for a lifetime of reading and writing (especially as a critic of literature). If you successfully complete the examination in May, you can qualify for up to one semester of credit in English at the college you select. Although you are not required to take the national exam in May, the expectation is that you will take it—we work toward a strong finish in Advanced Placement Literature class.
Advanced Placement Literature is both demanding and intellectually stimulating. Approximately three-fifths of class time is spent learning to analyze literature, about two-fifths learning to write about literature. Students should come to class prepared and ready to share ideas. This class requires your best effort consistently, and emphasizes your developing independence of thought and mature habits of critical thinking. The reading assignments are rigorous and the writing assignments frequent; however, it is my belief that you will have a great experience in this class if you are willing to keep up and try your hardest.
Course Objectives:
- Read extensively and analyze a wide range of literary works from the 16th to the 21st century.
- Respond to reading with thoughtful inquiry.
- Articulate responses orally in rich discussions conducted in an atmosphere of open exploration and acceptance of alternative interpretations.
- Write intelligent and insightful critical analyses of literary passages and works.
- Through reading and writing, students will develop a deeper and fuller sense of what it is to be someone else—especially someone who differs from them in gender, race, age, religion, nationality, background, and values.
- To understand the use of style and how authors use language to affect meaning.
- To grasp the complexity of literature.
This course complies with the curricular requirements described in the AP English Course Description.
Assessment based on the following:
- Large class as well as small group discussions will be a regular part of the class
- In-class timed writings
- Formal essays: analyzing 19th century literature, Shakespeare, poetry and plays
- Independent and group projects
- Presentations
- Socratic Seminars
Three Ring Binder:
Due to the exorbitant amount of handouts I give, you should purchase a three ring binder for this class. It is imperative that you stay organized and are prepared every single day. We will often refer to documents given weeks before and you need to have a system where you can access them expeditiously.
Procedures and Expectations
Assignments:
You will be held accountable for assignments even if you are absent. Students are expected to arrive for class on time and to be prepared to learn, participate, and read. Completed assignments are expected to be high quality and turned in on time. I always do a “formal turn in” of assignments.
If an assignment does not come in on time, please write the reason it is late on top of the paper. If it is excused, fabulous, you will get full credit. If it is unexcused, you might (depending on many variables) get some credit. I do not give busy work. Every assignment matters and they build on each other; therefore, it is crucial that you do the work and you do the work ON TIME. Chronic lateness will lower your grade.
Quizzes and Tests:
There will be periodic and surprise quizzes given in this class to ensure you are keeping up with the assigned reading. Other formal assessments are given at the end of each unit.
Make-up Work Policy and Getting Help:
I expect you to take full responsibility for all assignments you miss when absent. My highest recommendation is to never miss class. If you are unclear about a concept, please come see me before school, so I can take the time to explain things to you. If your absence is excused, you have a day to make up the work for every day that you missed. This policy does not apply to work assigned in advance.
Assignments Returned:
Near the front, under "Grendel's Arm" (if you have not yet noted this location, you can't miss it once you know it is there...) you will find a set of file with your hour posted on the front. Check to see if your work is in your personal file. If you miss a class and didn’t receive an assignment back, please look there first.
Participation:
You MUST participate. This room should be abuzz with interesting and thoughtful discussion. Curiosity and intellectual enthusiasm are two attributes that will help you succeed in any class, especially a college-level English class. You will be randomly called on and asked to contribute both ideas and sample writings. Answers of “I don’t know” are not acceptable and you will not be let off the hook until you say something meaningful. Scary? Maybe. But, a silent English classroom is brutal torture for all who sit through it. At the end of each semester, you and I will reflect on your participation level throughout the term. Your grade will get a bump if you are an active participant in class.
Phones:
The single greatest hindrance for success in here is phone distractions. Your phones ARE NOT to be visible in this class unless specifically stated. I will give a kind reminder once. If your phone use is habitual, there will be greater consequences including losing it for the remainder of the day.
Academic Bullying and Power of Kindness:
Any inappropriate incidents in class will result in negative consequences. I have high expectations for my students and will not tolerate interruptions, cut downs, scoffing, obscenities, criticisms or shaming based on race, gender, sexuality, weight, class, or ability. Be kind to one another and to me. I am here to cultivate stronger critical thinking and writing skills, so you can navigate this awesome world with intellect. I will do everything I can to help you achieve your potential; however, I expect at least that much effort on your part. If this is something you cannot commit to, perhaps AP Lit is not a proper fit for you.
AP Lit Mantras:
Be Ready to Learn
Be Many-Minded
Work Hard and Persevere
Be Curious
Think and
Think Harder
Show Kindness
Be Your Authentic Self
Take Risks and
Make Mistakes
Do Your Best
Learn From Others
Dream Big