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ASTEC Charter High School AP English , English IV and English III  


ASTEC Charter School Syllabus

Level: 11, Subject: English III- American Literature
Email: [email protected] 
Planning Period: 6th period; 2:30 – 3:35


Textbook: Name of Text(s): Literature - The American Experience, Publisher(s)Prentice Hall, Edition, Fifth, Other information:.

Supplemental Books: Various paperback novels supporting the course outline.
Major Concepts:

Oklahoma Priority Academic Student Skills:
1. Reading/Literature: The student will apply a wide range of strategies to
comprehend interpret, evaluate, appreciate, and respond to a variety of
texts.
2. Writing/Grammar/Usage and Mechanics: The student will express ideas
effectively in written modes for a variety of purposes and audiences.
3. Oral Language/Listening and Speaking: The student will demonstrate
skills in listening and speaking.
4. Visual Literacy: The students will interpret, evaluate, and compose visual
messages.

1. Overview
English III is a merged study of composition, American literature, argumentation, critical reading and rhetorical analysis. Students in the class develop familiarity with the scope of American literature while they prepare for the English Language and Composition Exam.
Using a variety of genres, students learn composition skills for both oral and written presentation. In individual practice as well as small group settings, students develop mature communication skills by writing informal texts, participating in on-line class forums, making oral presentations, composing letters to the editor as well as creating expository, argumentative, narrative and analytical prose. All written work is continually revised after peer and teacher reviews. Grammar awareness and vocabulary development continue through the year to strengthen student writing.
Students in AP English III read and analyze a wide variety of fictional and non-fictional texts, primarily American written. The class has a special focus on early American nationalistic, non-fiction writing, modern non-fiction and the writings and influences of Poe, Twain, Hemingway.
Throughout the year, students learn the basis of classic argumentation, beginning with the Aristotelian foundations. Daily practice in developing clear and logical thesis statements, effective introductions, successful rhetorical structures, audience awareness and the wide varieties of appeals available to the rhetoric helps students create effective arguments for a wide variety of circumstance and topics.
2.  Course Outline
• Historical Exploration in relation to
literature
• Focused Journal Writing
• Writing Process
Prewriting
Writing
Revising
• Five-paragraph Essay
• Research Project (required for course credit)
Techniques
Resources
Process
Application
Completed Composition
• Speech and Oral Presentation
• Vocabulary Development (bellringer)
• Literary analysis (essays, letters, journals, short stories, poetry, drama, and novels) of the
following eras:
Colonial
Revolutionary
Romantic
New England Renaissance
Realism and Regionalism
Modern
Post-Modern/Contemporary
Oral Expression
Individual Speeches
Panel Presentations

• Computer Applications
Vocabulary and grammar will be taught as they relate to writing. Reading comprehension, editing, and revision skills will be taught as they relate to the writing process.

Materials:
Issued textbook /assigned paperback novels (You must bring the literature we are studying!)
Three-ring binder filled with college-ruled paper and the organizational skills to maintain it.
Black or blue ink pens; pencils
Spiral notebook with college ruled paper
A commendable work ethic and intellectual curiosity!
Box of tissues
While I do not require it, owning one’s own copy of any novel we study is helpful, for one can then highlight passages and make notes in the margins.

Attendance, Lateness Policies:
Attendance is crucial to the learning process.
If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to obtain information regarding the missing assignments in a timely manner.
Students should be in the classroom working on the Bellringer Activity before the tardy bell rings.
Instruction begins when the bell rings. Tardy students will owe me overtime!

Missed Exams or Assignments Policies:

In the event of an absence, you are responsible for arranging to make up work you have missed. Talk with me before or after class about missed lessons and handouts the day you return to school. Turn in any assignments you have from days before your absence. The approved school policy for make up work applies.

Academic Dishonesty Policies:
*A note about plagiarism:
Mrs. Kastl’s plagiarism policy is as follows:
1st offense: a grade of zero; 2nd offense: a grade of zero and a notice placed in permanent file and visit with administration.
Do not plagiarize. Do not copy words or ideas from Internet sources, books, scholars, fellow students, or any other sources without giving proper credit in a parenthetical citation/bibliographical entry. “Or ideas” are italicized. The Internet has made plagiarism—i.e., cheating---particularly easy and an epidemic, but several sites exist for educators that make catching those who plagiarize just as easy. It is unethical and dishonorable to cheat.

Assessment/Grading:
Twelfth grade AP English will carry fewer scores per quarter than traditional courses throughout middle and high school. Each quarter’s grades normally consist of at least one prepared essay, two tests, one-two journal assessments, one-two creative projects, junior benchmark tests, and one or more discussion participation grades. A quarter grade will be averaged using the following percentages:
Writing Assignments = 50%, Tests/Projects = 50%, Quizzes/Discussions = 20%,
and Daily assignments = 20%
 11th grade English- all out-of-class papers are considered formal and must be typed. These papers are assigned two major grades: one for content and one for grammar. Content evaluates whether or not the correct format has been used and support given. Grammar is based on the schedule below. Use a standard format: double-space, 12-pt. font that is easy to read, and one-inch margins. If the paper is not submitted as stated above, the assignment will be returned and considered late. Papers should be on white paper with black ink. Proof read papers to correct spelling and grammar errors. No late papers accepted, unless you use your late coupon. Not turning in one paper will reflect quite harshly on your grade. You will not pass if you do not do the required writing.
Please allow at least two weeks for the grading of essays and tests. Reading and evaluating essays is no small task. I will report/record grades as quickly as possible.
Errors will be graded accordingly:
10 points off for fragments, rambling or run-on sentences
5 points off for spelling errors, which include typing errors
5 points off for first person (I, we, me, us) and second person (you, your)
5 points off for numerals 1, 22, etc. should be spelled out (one, twenty-two)
5 points off for contractions (won’t, can’t) that are considered informal 
1 point for all other errors
Each quarter’s grades normally consist of at least one prepared essay, two tests, one-two journal assessments, one-two creative projects, some senior benchmark tests, and one or more discussion participation grades. A quarter grade will be averaged using the following percentages:
Writing Assignments = 50%, Tests/Projects = 50%, Quizzes/Discussions = 20%, Daily assignments =20% (Starters)

AP holistic grading standards will apply when grading essays, so essays will receive a rating of 1-9 just as they will on the AP exam. I will make available samples of the AP testing grading rubrics so that the national standards and their descriptors are clear and familiar. A numerical grade equivalent will appear in my grade book, and these are as follows:
First Semester: 9=100, 8=95, 7=90, 6=85, 5=80, 4=75, 3=70, 2=65, and 1=60
Second Semester: 9=100, 8=94, 7=88, 6=82, 5=76, 4=70, 3=64, 2=60, and 1=55
(As the AP test draws closer, I will obviously grade with more discretion)

Other: I expect my students to . . .
Do their best on each and every assignment.
Do their own work so that I will never have to question honesty and integrity.*
Be open to the ideas in literature, have a sense of humor, and embrace the spirit of any unit.
Be courteous to me and to each other at all times. There is never an excuse for rudeness.
Raise hands silently rather than interrupting a classmate or me. (An oldie, but a goodie!)
Budget time well in and out of class so that assignments arrive completed and on time.
Request a pass to the restroom between activities rather than interrupting during instruction. (Only 2 passes per 9 weeks)
Keep gum, food, drinks, headphones, cell phones and pagers out of my room. ($1.00 fine for gum, food, or drinks and time after school)
Use combs, brushes, make-up, and such items only in the restroom. This is not cosmetology.
Abide by all rules and regulations in the ASTEC Handbook.