Students enrolled in English II Pre-AP continue to increase and refine their communication skills. You are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. You will also be editing your papers for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English and produce final, error-free drafts. In English II Pre-AP, you will practice all forms of writing. An emphasis is placed on persuasive forms of writing such as logical arguments, expressions of opinion, and personal forms of writing. These personal forms of writing may include a response to literature, a reflective essay, or an autobiographical narrative. English II students read extensively in multiple genres from world literature such as reading selected stories, dramas, novels, and poetry originally written in English or translated to English from oriental, classical Greek, European, African, South American, and North American cultures. Students learn literary forms and terms associated with selections being read. You will also interpret the possible influences of the historical context on a literary work.
Because of the nature of the Pre-AP class, you will also be exploring high level material and expectations. You will be proving your analytical skills through numerous ways: timed writing, literary journals, outside papers, AP multiple choice tests/quizzes, TAKS practice, and reading quizzes
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Also, by practicing skills that will help you to prepare to take the Advanced Placement Language and Composition exam next year in English III AP, your confidence in being successful in earning college credit will increase. It is important to note that since this is a class that has a definite goal of taking the test, you will be expected to uphold college level reading and writing standards. Hopefully, you will feel comfortable with the challenge and rigor and enjoy the material.
Course Descriptions:
Since you have chosen to take an Pre-AP class, it is expected that the reading is done thoroughly and you come to class with enough knowledge and insight in order to participate in high level discussions that go beyond basic comprehension. Also, you will be writing quite a bit this year, so be prepared to respond to questions on the books and/or criticisms through timed writing.
You may want to write in the margins, highlight sections you have questions about, or keep some basic notes so you can review the books when we are ready to discuss them. It is YOUR responsibility to be prepared.
One of the main objectives of English II Pre-AP is to not only further your experience on literary study, but to also examine and appreciate how authors write and the effect they have on the audience. This will be applied to both non-fiction and fiction in many different genres. Please keep this in mind when approaching what you should be looking for in what we read this year.
Sources used this school year include the following:
The Oedipus Trilogy by Sophocles
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Several online passagesand vocabulary that will be provided as needed.
Other novels will be read, but since they will be offered as choice, please wait until further instruction before purchasing.
Late Work Policy
Since you have chosen to take a course that expects college level work, there is little excuse for late work. It is important to ALWAYS come to class prepared. If you make the choice not to, your grade will be affected in the work ethic category which will result in a lower grade than you would like. PLEASE take the responsibility of owning up to these consequences rather than laying the blame elsewhere (such as extracurricular activities, lack of time, or me). It is your responsibility.
Make-Up Work Policy
A calendar will be provided and updated for you on my website so thatyou are aware of what you are expected to do to prepare for each class. If you are to be gone for a planned event , it is expected that you do the work BEFORE you go. If you are absent for an unplanned reason, you need to keep up with the assignments as much as you can. Falling behind in your reading will most likely affect your grades because you will be expected to take the quiz(zes) and catch up by the following period since you will receive a calendar that shows all the assignments for the month.
Breakdown of Grades
50% = TESTS: tests and papers (this does include AP practice tests)
25% = QUIZZES: literary quizzes (this includes AP short section quizzes) and vocabulary quizzes
20% = PROJECTS
5% = LESSONS: Warm ups and in class activities
Progress reports will be given at the mid-way point of each grading period to EVERY student. If the grade is below a 75%, the student is required to return it with a parent signature.
