The following information and policies are designed to help you understand my expectations of you and my commitment to your learning. I also want to help you learn to organize and to manage your time in a more efficient manner.
TEXTS:
Poems and short stories will come from Literature: Structure, Sound & Sense by Laurence Perrine. You will be issued this book for use in class as needed. Copies of all other works will be provided for check out as needed. Novels will be provided; when we finish with a book, you must return it to me in good condition or purchase the book at replacement cost before I will issue you the next book on our syllabus.
GRADES:
Grades will be determined by the type of work expected in each nine weeks' grading period usually in the form of journal assignments, projects, tests, in-class timed writings, presentations, seminars, formal papers, participation, etc.
Discussion of literature is an integral part of this course and your success in understanding the works we read. Literature courses in college often use participation as part of the course evaluation. Therefore, class participation will count, as an integral part of each nine-weeks’ grades.
The county grading scale will be used. An "A" will represent brilliance, mastery, inspiration, originality, and vitality!
ATTENDANCE:
Be Here! Be on time! Your presence is valuable to the entire class because one of the real joys of studying great literature is found in the discussing and sharing of ideas about those works. Part of your grade will be based on class participation, so you need to be here to earn that grade, particularly on seminar days and presentation days J. When you are absent, we all miss out on your ideas. Additionally, if you are habitually tardy, you will lose your opportunity for any extra credit.
SYLLABUS:
You will be given a syllabus during the first week of each grading period. This will assist you in planning your reading time. One of the great things about the syllabus is that you will know what is expected and when it is expected; it is detailed for your benefit. However, please keep in mind that the syllabus is “carved in sand.” We may need to make adjustments to it from time to time, but for the most part we stay on track by using the syllabus. Be prepared. No excuses…
WRITING PORTFOLIO:
You are required to keep EVERYTHING that you do for this course in a writing portfolio, which we will refer to periodically. Do not throw anything away! We will be creating a Digital Portfolio this year, so I recommend that you keep your assignments on a CD or thumb drive to save you time later. Selections for your final portfolio will be submitted at the end of the course, but you will have guidelines for each nine weeks.
DUE DATES:
All due dates for major assignments (i.e. formal papers, projects, etc.) as specifically stated on the course syllabus are to be turned in at the beginning of the period that you are scheduled for this class. There is usually a two day window for take-home assignments, particularly essays: the first day you receive extra credit for your typewritten work; the second day, or due date is the last opportunity you will have to turn in that work, regardless of your attendance status on the due date. Late work is NEVER accepted.
HOMEWORK: Pre-assigned homework, including poetry journals and reading journals, is due the period that you are scheduled for this class. I collect all work randomly, so always be prepared.
MAKE UP WORK:
Make up work is only accepted if the teacher has specified that the assignment can be made up. Group projects, class discussion, participation are examples of work that cannot be made up. If a quiz, or test is missed, you have the day you return plus the following day to make up the quiz or test, provided the absence is excused. Parental verification or doctor’s note will be required for excusing absences. It is YOUR responsibility to make an appointment for make-up. Timed writing make-ups will ONLY take place on Wednesday at the early release bell at end the day, after 7th period. Other make-up work may be done at this time as well. Keep in mind that there is a 5-day limit on make-up.
Computer failure, printer failure, lack of software, power failure, etc. are all unacceptable excuses for late work. There is a student workstation in the back of my room. You are welcome to print out single copies of your work, using your thumb drive. I am here early every morning, so arrive well before class begins if you need to print. Plan ahead!
IN OTHER WORDS:
You are responsible for being in class on time, being present, following directions, turning in work, and being the all-around wonderful student that you are capable of being.
A HINT: Find a “study buddy” at the beginning of the year. When you are absent, your buddy is the one to ask what you missed. Choose your “study buddy” wisely J
SUNSHINE STATE STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS:
All benchmarks for 12th grade English are covered throughout the year in a variety of methods such as written assignments, oral presentations, independent and group work, etc.
END OF COURSE EXAM:
You are NOT required to take the end of course exam for this course at the end of the fourth nine weeks, as long as you take the actual AP ENGISH LIT.exam. Those who do not sit for the exam will be expected to take a final according to senior exam schedule.
We will take a practice exam before the year is out; we will also be able to score it and arrive at a fairly accurate AP score. We will also use the exam for class discussion.
RETURN ONLY THIS SHEET. KEEP THE POLICIES IN YOUR NOTEBOOK
COMPLETE AND RETURN TO MRS. LYNDA BONNICK (9-003)
Student signature:
I have received a copy of the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Course Overview and Policies and understand the requirements for success in the course. I understand the section titled DUE DATES. I will abide by these policies.
______________________________________________________________________________
Print your name here Sign your name here Date
Parent signature:
I have read the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Course Overview and Policies and understand the requirements for my child’s success in the course, and I support her/his participation in this course.
_______________________________________________________________________
Print your name here Sign your name here Date
If you would like to receive progress and grade information directly through email, please send me a message by email stating so, including your e-mail address. I will then be able to communicate with you more easily. I must receive your request through email in order to know I am communicating with you.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Parent’s email address (optional—if provided, you are giving permission to email your child’s grades upon request)
