Mrs. Cassandra Groce, Rm. 202
2015-2016
Email: cassandra.groce@glasgow.kyschools.us
Planning: 11:25-1:20
There is a course website on the high school’s main page.
Overview: The purpose of this course is the development of an informed citizen. Students will learn to analyze a variety of media for argument; they will learn to write formal rhetorical analyses of various genres and to hone general writing skills as well. Students will receive frequent detailed feedback on their sentence structure, transitions, and quality of reasoning.
Students will also utilize research skills, current events, and worldly and literary experiences to aid in the formation of logical, persuasive arguments. Featured authors and speakers include:
William Faulkner, Mark Twain, Arthur Miller, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Patrick Henry, Jon Krakauer,
Virginia Woolf, Queen Elizabeth, Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson, and others. Finally students will have daily bellringers focused on perfecting their understanding of grammar, analyzing the arguments of quotes, and improving vocabulary.
All students will be expected to take the A.P. exam on May 2016. Students will be responsible for paying for the exam (students in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program may be eligible for a fee reduction). Students who choose not to take the exam will take a comprehensive final exam worth 20% of their final grade.
As this is a college-level course the pace and expectations are rigorous and appropriately high.
This course is construct in accordance with the guidelines described in the
Note: A.P. courses carry extra weight in averaging GPA.
A note on reading: The students who earned a score of three or higher on last year’s AP exam had an average ACT Reading score of 27.45. In order to score at this level on both the ACT and the AP exam, students must read often. The only way to improve vocabulary, fluency, speed, and comprehension is to read. There are no tricks or shortcuts on the AP exam. I cannot make you a better reader; only you can do that. Find an author or genre you enjoy, and read every day. Read news stories on your phone. The public library gives you access to KY Libraries
Unbound with your library card; this service allows you access to thousands of titles on your tablet. In short, read, read, read.

In order to prepare for the A.P. exam and for the reading, writing, and thinking skills higher education demands, we will work in the following categories:
Rhetorical Analysis
Author’s style (tone, diction, and syntax), close reading, SOAPStone, the Rhetorical Triangle, patterns of development, popular culture,
, various essays
Argument
Foundations of argument, analyzing visual arguments, persuasive writing skills (audience awareness, idea development, avoiding fallacies, transitions, style, correctness),
various essays
Synthesis
Evaluating and analyzing source material, visual arguments, MLA and APA citations, using source material as support,
various essays
*Vocabulary, grammar, ACT preparation, arts and humanities, and current events will be incorporated into each unit of study.
Textbooks:
Cohen, Samuel, ed.
3 rd ed.
Boston: Bedford, 2011. Print.
Hacker, Diana and Nancy Sommers, eds.
8 th ed
Boston: Bedford, 2015.
Print.
Muller, Gilbert H. and Melissa E. Whiting, eds.
A.P. ed. Chicago: McGraw Hill, 2014. Print.
Peterson, Linda, John Brereton, Joseph Bizup, Anner Fernald, and Melissa Goldwaite, eds.
13 th ed. New York: W. W. Norton and Co., 2012. Print
State Testing: All 11 th grade students will take the ACT (at no cost) in March 2016. All 11 th grade students must also participate in the On-demand assessment
Grading: Grades will be divided into two categories: assignments and assessments. The point value of work in each category will vary according to length and complexity. “Assignments,” which will make up 10% of the overall grade, will consist of in-class work and homework meant to monitor progress and understanding. “Assessments” are just that—tests, projects, homework, and other activities meant to assess your level of mastery; they are graded for correctness rather than effort. Assessments: 90% Assignments: 10%
Student Responsibilities: Students must come to class prepared; this entails being prompt and possessing all necessary classroom materials. Students must turn in assignments in a timely fashion. The workload for this class is rather heavy, so time management skills are essential.
I do accept Assessments after the due date, but I

deduct 10 percent of the grade per day, including weekends and breaks. Students must pay attention in class so that they are aware of due dates and assignments (this information is also posted on the class website). Please see the handbook for information on work missed during excused absences. This is an advanced course, and I expect students to behave accordingly.
Students are expected to be respectful of the teacher and one another.
Materials:
Three-ring binder or at least two folders
Notebook
Composition notebook
Pens and pencils
Post-it notes and flags
Notecards
A box of tissues
USB drive, Dropbox, or GoogleDrive
Tutoring: Students will have the opportunity for additional practice of skills taught in class through after school study sessions. These sessions will focus on a single SHORT passage that students will rhetorically analyze. Sessions will occur between 3:15-4:00, and students will receive a calendar of days for sessions each month. It will also be posted on the website.
Students needing help improving writing can schedule a time with me to do so.

AP English Language and Composition Syllabus Signature Sheet
Student Signature:
I __________________________________ have read and do understand the A.P.LAC syllabus as it has been presented to me.
Parent Signature:
I __________________________________have read and do understand the A.P. LAC syllabus as it has been presented to me.
Comments: Please take this opportunity to express any concerns you have about your student.
Include information that will help me tailor your child’s learning experience (fears, strengths, weaknesses, ACT goals, work schedule, athletics, etc.). Also, please provide your email and phone information, and indicate your preferred method of contact.