Advanced Placement (AP) Literature and Composition
Suzanne Buffington
Room 227
472-8102 (Voice Mail)
sbuffing@mpsaz.org
Class webpage: http://www.mpsaz.org/rmhs/staff/sbuffington/
Course Description: AP Literature is an honors (weighted) literature and writing class designed to provide students with
a college-level English course. In the spring, students take a national exam to qualify for up to 6 hours of college credit.
Goals: Students will learn/improve ability
1. To read critically by asking pertinent questions, recognizing assumptions and implications, drawing connections, and
evaluating ideas;
2. To read analytically, recognizing relationships between form and content;
3. To speak and listen with purpose;
4. To write with clarity and assurance, and with the goal of exploring ideas;
5. To develop a solid background in literature.
Writing Expectations: This course teaches students to write an interpretation of a piece of literature that is based on
careful observation of textual details, considering:
· structure, style, and themes
· the social and historical values it reflects and embodies
· techniques referred to in the AP Literary Terms list
The course includes frequent opportunities for students to write formal, extended analyses and timed, in class responses.
Reading Expectations: Simply put, there is a lot of reading in this class. Texts will represent many cultures, genres,
experiences, etc. It is expected that you keep up with the reading—quiz and class discussion points will ensure this.
Students at this level should expect to hear about and be prepared to discuss ideas that are controversial, as the next level of
education for most of these students will require such abilities. While alternate assignments may be provided, they may not
be as effective as the established curriculum in preparing students for the Advanced Placement exam or freshman English
classes in major colleges and universities.
Critical Thinking and Discussion Expectations: Our class is student-centered. Students must come to class ready to ask
questions, contribute actively to discussions, and help each other succeed. As this is a college-level course, conversations
regarding mature themes, including but not limited to politics, violence, and personal relationships will occur. Sexist,
racist, homophobic language, and other put-downs, or any other disrespectful and disruptive behaviors will not be
tolerated.
The atmosphere in the class is open and honest; students are encouraged to express their ideas without fear, and toleration of
alternative viewpoints is absolutely necessary in all students. No ideologies are pushed on the students; rather, we explore the
many perspectives on any given issue. It is not my place to choose sides on issues; instead, I encourage the students to think
through their feelings on issues so that they may come to understand why they feel the way they feel. If your child is
uncomfortable at any time, the student is free to remove him/herself from the dialogue with no fear of teacher reprisal.
Grades:
A = 90- 100%
B = 80- 89%
C = 70- 79%
D = 60- 69%
Tests/Final Projects/Quizzes 20%
Essays 30%
Homework and daily bell work 20%
Speaking and Listening 20%
Novel Reading Forms 10%
Materials:
1. Text: Roberts & Jacobs. Literature (4th edition), Prentice-Hall
2. One 2-inch, three ring binder with dividers.
3. College-ruled, white paper
4. Blue or black pen
5. Highlighters, 2-3 different colors
6. White-out
7. I highly suggest purchasing a copy of the texts read in class. Helpful marks and notations are not acceptable in school
copies. A plentiful supply of small Post-It notes is highly desirable if you choose not to purchase the assigned reading.
Criteria:
a. LATE WORK: Late work is not accepted. Exceptions may be made for major assignments.
b. MAKE-UP WORK: Check the calendar and exchange contact info with people in class. If you are absent, check with
your contact person from this class to make sure the assignment calendar has not been altered and, equally important, to
get notes. If you are absent the day a major assignment is due, the assignment is still due (unless you have been the
victim of a major emergency). Otherwise, assignments must be made up within the same amount of days missed. It is
your responsibility to collect work when absent.
c. SWEEP: See me to turn in/get homework. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
d. PLAGIARISM: Any evidence of plagiarism or cheating will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic zero of that assignment (for
copyer and copyee), contact home, possibly referral, and personal tutorial sessions with your teacher.
e. REDO: At my discretion, an assignment may be redone if the student did not completely master the intended content or strategy, and the
student has demonstrated sincere effort to prepare for the assignment the first time it was given.
f. EXTRA CREDIT: Occasionally I offer extra credit. All students need to take advantage of extra credit no matter their grade. Do not ask for
extra credit.
Procedures and Expectations:
1. Daily Assignments: written in ink or typed (pencil is not acceptable).
Heading in upper left corner as follows:
Student Name
Teacher Name
Name of Class & Assignment
Date
2. Formal essays: Must be typed and in MLA format. DO NOT skip lines between paragraphs, turn in a handwritten essay,
or insert graphics.
3. AP Lit Comp folder: Organizational skills matter.
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Pocket: Current Homework
Divider 1: Current Material
Divider 2: References/Handouts
Divider 3: Timed Writings
Divider 4: Past Materials organized by unit “Poetry” “Allusions” “Short Stories” etc
Divider 5: Passed back assignments (other than essays)
Divider 6: Bellwork
Blank Paper
4. Keep everything! Do not throw anything away as you will need it for your AP exam prep in the spring. Keep your
binder organized so the materials are easy to access.
5. Check class website daily. If you are unsure of an assignment, email me prior to 10pm and I will respond to you.
6. Individual help. If you ever feel like you are running into problems of any kind that will affect how you feel or perform
in class, pay me a visit, and we’ll work them out together. Don’t hesitate to ask. Email or arrange an appointment so I am
prepared with the documents you want to discuss. You can find me here (room 227) during my prep hour (1st period), at
the end of my day (6th hour) or by appointment afterschool.
I hope this class is one that you will enjoy and one in which you will succeed.
Cheers!
________________________, ___________________
Student Last Name
First Name
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Below is a list of movies used in previous years. It is incredibly rare that I dedicate whole class periods to the
viewing of films; rather, the following films are usually shown in part.
Hamlet (Branagh & Hawke versions [brief segments])
Apocalypse Now (brief segment)
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Taming of the Shrew
Death of a Salesman
Some Like it Hot
Rear Window
Rebel Without A Cause
Streetcar Named Desire
If any of these films is unacceptable to you, please indicate this by circling that title. Fill out the following form
and return it to me, even if you have no objections to the potential films.
Additionally, as a part of class activities, students will occasionally grade each other’s minor reading
comprehension and/or quizzes. If you do not agree to this, please write a statement of objection below.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 472-8102 or email at sbuffing@mpsaz.org.
Thank you,
S. Buffington
As the parent/guardian of ________________________________, I give my permission for my
son/daughter to view the above films whose titles are not circled. In addition, I have read and understand the
course policies for AP Literature and Composition.
_________________________________ email contact _________________________________
(parent signature)
**********************************************************
Dear AP Literature student,
Please sign below to indicate that you have read through and understand the information presented
in the syllabus. Essentially, this is our contract.
If you have questions regarding classroom policies, procedures, expectations, etc., refer to this copy
of the syllabus (keep it in your notebook).
___________________________________ email contact ________________________________
(student signature)