1. Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition
“We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T.S. Eliot

2. Course Overview from College Board’s AP Central
AP English 12: Literature and Composition
follows the precepts of the College Entrance Examination Board
“includes intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit”
accompanies reading with “thoughtful discussion and writing about literature in the company of … fellow students”

3. Honor Code “Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.” – Sophocles
Each student should honorably fulfill his or her obligations for this course on a daily basis. These obligations include
completing all reading assignments by the assigned date
preparing assignments independently
studying for assessments
avoiding plagiarism on any level
completing all assessments without outside assistance (unless expressly approved by the teacher)
maintaining individual integrity

4. Academic Integrity
Cliff, Monarch, Spark or any other sorts of “notes” are explicitly NOT allowed in the classroom. These items are often used as a replacement for reading rather than a supplement to reading. I strongly urge you to end your dependence on these sources if you have acquired such an addiction. If you do not understand what you are reading, write down questions and bring them to class.

5. With Honor
You will be required to sign all assignments and assessments with the phrase “With Honor” in order to signify your continued adherence to the course’s Honor Code.
Unsigned papers will NOT be graded.
If for some reason you are unable to sign with honor, a note detailing the reason is required.

6. Course Pillars from College Board’s AP Central
Reading: “both wide and deep”
“work from several genres and periods”
“read both deliberately and thoughtfully”
“reflect on the social and historical values”
“experience… interpretation… and evaluation of literature”
“In short, students in an AP English Literature and Composition course read
actively. The works taught in the course require careful, deliberative reading. And
the approach to analyzing and interpreting the material involves students in learning
how to make careful observations of textual detail, establish connections among their
observations, and draw from those connections a series of inferences leading to an
interpretive conclusion about a piece of writing’s meaning and value.”

7. Course Pillars from College Board’s AP Central
Writing: “focus on critical analysis of literature”
“includes the elements of style”
“develop[s] stylistic maturity… which is characterized by
a wide-ranging vocabulary used with denotative accuracy and connotative resourcefulness;
a variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of subordinate and coordinate constructions;
a logical organization, enhanced by specific techniques of coherence such as repetition, transitions, and emphasis;
a balance of generalization with specific illustrative detail; and
an effective use of rhetoric, including controlling tone, maintaining a consistent voice, and achieving emphasis through parallelism and antithesis.”

8. Course Objectives
To strengthen note-taking, listening, and organizational skills
To create polished written works
To improve public speaking abilities through presentations and graded discussions
To analyze assertions and determine validity
To increase critical thinking skills
To develop confidence as a reader and writer
To enhance understanding and enjoyment of literature

9. Grading Policy Grading is on a total point system.
Tests, essays, projects, homework, and class work are assigned a point value.
Larger assignments or more important assignments will carry correspondingly larger point values; this reflects the “weight” of an assignment.

10. Late Work Policy
No late work will be accepted. If you are ill, you have three days after you return to hand in missed work.
Assignments are due at the start of the class period. Any assignment not turned in at the appropriate time is automatically considered late. Please respect this policy and the reasons for it by not asking for extensions or special treatment.

11. Absences / Make-up Work
If a student is absent, it is the student's responsibility to arrange a make-up session. The student must do this within three (3) days of his or her return to class.
No assignments or assessments of any kind will be accepted for unexcused absences. A good attendance record is imperative for success in this course.

12. Course Expectations
Respect yourself, others, and the material we study.
Be prompt, prepared, and participatory.
Be honest and considerate.

13. Materials Loose-leaf paper Binder with the following sections:
AP Essays
Multiple Choice practice
Vocabulary
Literature (subsections for Poetry, Drama, and Novels)
Post-it notes
Highlighters
Pens / pencils
Novels as assigned
One ream of 8 ½ x 11 white copy paper (for handouts and various readings)

14. Signature Slip
Go to the class webpage to read over this course introduction
Share the course introduction with your parent
Both you and a parent sign the signature sheet and return by Monday, August 17