American Literature / Advanced Placement Language – Syllabus 405-406

 

Instructors: Mrs. L. Hooven                                    Mr. T. Whitfield

                   laura.hooven@ccboe.net                      t.whitfield@ccboe.net

 

Goal of the Course:  Advanced Placement courses offer a student the opportunity to work at an accelerated pace with other peers who have similar interests and academic goals. This class will explore different modes of discourse with an intense study on tone, diction, imagery, details, language, and style.  The students will read modern essays as well selections from an American literature anthology. The course focuses on the study of rhetoric and composition. Students will read various genres, including nonfiction, fiction, poetry, drama, essays, etc. Students will be able to discuss their ideas openly and without prejudice. Writing is a mandated part of this curriculum, with a focus on prose analysis and synthesizing.  We validate sources and explore the concept of argument through an exploration of articles and sources necessary to synthesize a topic. We examine the canons of argument and rhetoric. With a thorough study of the characteristics of the different modes of discourse, students will learn terminology necessary to allow them to express their ideas with the language of rhetoric. Through the exposure of different writers and views, students will become global learners.

 

Additional Comments:

• The American literature course is required of all 11^th graders; therefore, the syllabus reflects a blending of American literature with various other selections from different sources.
• In addition, we are mandated by the standards set forth by the State. The AP curriculum far exceeds those standards.
• All AP students must do outside reading, and the homework load is heavier than an honors or college preparatory class. Students must be dedicated to reading and writing.
• Reading materials used for this class are often for a mature audience.
• A thorough study of readings and the use of rhetoric are major components of this class.
• Writing is a critical component of this course.
• AP grades are weighted .05 each nine weeks grading period.
• Grading scale: Each 9 weeks: 45% essays and compositions; 45% tests (written and performance based); 10% homework and quizzes

 

Textbooks:

 

Kennedy, X. J., Dorothy M. Kennedy, and Jane E. Aaron, eds. The Bedford Reader. 8^th

                Edition. Boston:  Bedford/St. Martin, 2003.

 

Miller, Robert K. The Informed Argument. 7^th Edition. Boston: Thomson Wadsworth, 2007.

 

Skiba, Laurie, et al. Literature and the Language Arts The American Tradition.   Minnesota:  EMC Paradigm Publishing,                 2003.

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