COURSE DESCRIPTION

R. Gleichmann – Instructor

Prairie View High School

2010-2011

The following is a description and a statement of policies for this class.  You should become familiar with the contents of this sheet as it will aid you in having a successful year.  The statement at the conclusion of this description is to be detached, signed by you and your parent, and to be returned to me within two days.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The AP program is an advanced English course designed for the motivated college-bound senior who wants to gain advanced preparation and knowledge for college.

In addition, the student will take the national AP exam with the objective of earning college credits while still in high school.

The course, because of its college bound orientation, concentrates on two major fields of study:

a) an in-depth study of literature in its various genre: poetry, short story, novels           and drama

Units of these various forms will include literary analysis, literary terminology, and studies of archetypes, allusions, mythology and structural forms

            b)  a concentrated emphasis on the successful writing of formal essays.  Weekly

            essay assignments will include actual assignments from earlier AP exams to

            familiarize the student with actual test procedure.

GRADING PROCEDURE

The AP course carries an advanced English credit which is reflected in the student's G.P.A

However, because of its low level of accomplishment, the grade "D" does not receive the extra point value.

Because of the particular orientation of this course, an advanced level of student performance in mechanics, study, class participation and depth of thought is expected and also reflected in the student's final grade.  Participation in class discussions is an essential element of the course.

The grading scale is dictated by the 27J Grading  System and can be located in the Student's Discipline Code and Conduct Book or on the website.

There are essentially three types of grades for the class:

            Type 1 – Discussion/Participation =  10%

            Type 2 – Test/Quizzes   =  30%

            Type 3 – Essays/Projects  =  70%

Any extra credit earned will be applied to their Test/Quiz grade

ASSIGNMENT FORMAT

All essays and other homework or class work must be turned in on the day it is due.  Each student will be given a GOLDEN TICKET which he may use if he is absent on the day the work is due.  This GOLDEN TICKET may be used once each semester.  Once it is used, the student may not hand in any late papers.  Students are not to feel that they may take the day of an important paper off and hand it in the next day with impunity.  Although they may be sick, their paper is NOT! Surely a way can be found to get me the paper on time.

All essays must be typewritten, double-spaced.  They must be in 12 point and a font that is easily readable.  No script fonts will be accepted. Neatness of appearance, correct spelling and grammar are a must.

ATTENDANCE

Even more than in other courses, attendance in the AP class is directly related to the student's academic success.  Much of the course involves the Socratic method of question and answer; lectures are another essential.  Absences will result in missed knowledge that cannot be regained.  Exams will be given on the days that books are due; the student is given a syllabus for this purpose.  Students should not miss school because an exam is given on that day.  Students are not to miss the AP exam; if they do, they will not receive the extra quality point awarded for Advanced Placement.

PHILOSOPHY

It is hoped that through the study of literature, the student will gain an increased understanding of the human condition.  One can only achieve this by following a pattern of personal ethics and integrity.

The use of CLIFF NOTES, SPARK NOTES, or any kind of study aid as a substitute for reading the books themselves is a violation of the spirit of this course and the student's personal integrity.  They must never be used as a foundation for a writing assignment or any other class assignment.

Parents, please feel free to contact me at 72-308-2079(cell) or 303-655-8857(voicemail) for information or to set up a conference. You may also email anytime at rgleichmann@sd27j.org

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

MR. GLEICHMANN