AP British Literature and Composition

Mrs. Kindschi  -  2001-2012

Welcome to Advanced Placement English!   The focus in this class will be on British literature.  The AP exam that you will be taking at the conclusion of the course does not focus exclusively on British literature; however, there is so much outstanding literature in the world today that a line had to be drawn for the content we will be studying.  The skills tested on the exam are the ability to comprehend and analyze a selection of literature and to respond well in writing to that literature.  Those skills apply to all literature, so the era, type, etc. of literature studied in an AP class is irrelevant.  As is so often the case in life, it is not how you got there that is important; it is that you arrived successfully.  J

Content: 

5. We will be reading literature written by a wide range of British authors, beginning in Anglo-Saxon time and working forward to present day. 
5. As knowing the historical context for literature is often essential for a thorough understanding of the literature, time will be spent focusing on the history of each time period we are studying.
5. A solid grasp of literary terminology is essential for being able to discuss and analyze a piece.  Therefore, we will be exploring a wide range of terminology.
5. While comprehension is first and foremost the goal of reading, being able to analyze and respond to others is often more rewarding.  We will be working on these skills both in writing and in oral activities such as presentations and discussions.
6. As part of your test prep, we will be taking practice exams periodically and discussing the results as a class.
5. You will each be responsible for reading an additional work each quarter that you will report on to the class at the culmination of the quarter. 

Classroom rules:

5. Name calling, bullying and other intimidating behavior will not be tolerated. Everyone in the classroom should feel safe physically and emotionally at all times.
5. Respect each individual's right to be heard in discussion sessions.
5. Follow all school rules.

Expectations and procedures:

5. You are upper level seniors.  This is the equivalent of a college class.  Therefore you will be treated as such.  However, that means you need to live up to that expectation.  Be respectful and mindful of how your behavior affects others in the room.
5. Complete all assignments and be prepared to work with assignments in class on the due date.  While homework will not usually be graded, it is given so that you are prepared for class the next day.  You are responsible for your learning, so be an active participant. 
5. Make an effort, not an excuse. 

Grading:  Your grade for the class will be based on the following knowledge:

5. Literary terminology and application  30%
5. Literary comprehension  20%
5. Literary analysis – written and oral/discussion  30%
5. Historical context  20%

Excused absences: 

5. After giving your readmit to the teacher, take the work from your absence that should be clipped to the front of the cabinet.  
5. Any notes, etc. that were given during the absence are your responsibility to get. 
5. If something was due while you were absent, please write the date you were absent on the top of the paper and put the assignment in the late/absent basket.  Excused absences provide one day for each day absent to turn in work for full credit. 
5. It is expected that any work due the day of the absence will be turned in on the day you return to class.  Remembering to do so is your responsibility. 
6. Quizzes and tests are frequently announced several days in advance, so be prepared to take any tests or quizzes the day you return, regardless of absences. 
5. Please remember that it is not possible to re-create some activities, such as discussions.  An effort will be made to find suitable replacements for those activities, but it may require an after school meeting. 
5. “I wasn’t here” will not be accepted as an excuse.  Life continues, even when we don’t feel well.

Unexcused absences:

5. If you made the choice to not attend class, you made the choice to miss the opportunity to show what you know. Per school rules, you will not be given the opportunity to make up work or other assessments from an unexcused absence.  

Late Work:

5. Work turned in after the due date may receive partial credit.  The highest possible grade late work will receive is a C- and will be accepted only up until the next grading period, including progress reports.  Any work not completed by the end of each grading period will not be graded. 

Electronic submission of work: 

5. If you prefer to e-mail any assignments rather than printing them, feel free to do so using the e-mail address below.  Please use older versions of Word when attaching so that they can be opened here at school.  Deadlines for submitting work electronically is midnight the day it is due. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there are any questions or concerns at any time this year.  I am looking forward to a great year!  :)

Mrs. Jessica Kindschi

jkindschi@cambridge.k12.wi.us        

(608) 423-3261  Ex. 3121