2016 AP English Language and Composition Course

Syllabus
Christopher Robert Kubrick
Email: Christopher.kubrick@palmbeachschools.org
Royal Palm Beach Community High School
10600 Okeechobee Boulevard
Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411
Course Description
The AP English Language course is developed based on AP English
language guidelines for students who are willing to do college-level
work during high school. Students should expect to devote sufficient
time and energy to complete rigorous coursework reading and
discussion assignments, extensive writing, AP test preparation,
vocabulary, use of rhetoric, collaborative language arts assignments,
and peer/group discussion activities.
Course Objectives
Students are expected to read critically, think analytically, use internet
source astutely, and communicate clearly in writing and speaking for
academic and everyday life. This course is organized according to the
requirements and guidelines set by current Advanced Placement test
and meet IB learner profile standards.
By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following
with competence:

Read from a variety of historical periods and disciplines

Identify audience, purpose, and strategies in texts
Analyze the types of arguments that writers use
Write formally and informally for a variety of audiences
Write expository, analytical, and argumentative essays
Understand the importance of editing and revision
Recognize techniques in visual as well as verbal arguments
Synthesize ideas and information from various sources
Use the conventions of standard written English

Course Organization
This course is organized thematically over the four quarters of the
school calendar. Readings, consisting of both fiction and non-fiction,
have been selected to support the themes in each quarter. However,
the instructor reserves the right to adjust readings based on students

needs. While the reading and writing assignments may change, the
assessment types will remain consistent.

Primary Course Texts

Shea, R.H., Scanlon, L. and Aufses, R.D. The Language of Composition.
Reading, Writing, Rhetoric. New York: Bedford, 2008.
Course Expectations
Students must be vigilant
Students must be on time
Students must be attentive to their studies and environment
Students give their best effort
Course rules regarding attendance, make up work, tardiness, group
work, late work, and a host of other interactions will be determined
during the first week of school.
Vocabulary
Students will be required to learn and maintain a healthy level of
vocabulary words in their binder. Every 2 weeks, students will assigned
20 new words that will help aid them on not only the AP exam but also
the SAT, ACT, AICE, and other college level tests.
Grading
The standard RBCHS grading scale will be used to determine grades.
You will be graded on a points-based system.
A 90-100 4
B 80-89
3
C 70-79
2
D 60-69
1
F 59 under

My goal is to assist you with your growth and development in the AP

Language course. Therefore, I make myself available for small group
after school sessions. Please enlist my help BEFORE your grade drops
below a C. We are both responsible for monitoring the grades you earn.
Check grades regularly.
Assignment Types
1. Writing 50 % during semester 1; 60% during semester 2
2. AP Practice Multiple Choice 10% during semester 1; 10% during
semester 2

3. Novel Studies 20% during semester 1 and 2

4. Binder Checks 10% during semester 1 and 2
5. Quizzes vocabulary, notes, bell ringers, journal responses, exit
slips
6. Projects major group and invididual projects

Novel Studies
During the year, we will be covering the following novels. Though this
list may include may change during the course of the year whether
through additional texts or fewer depending upon available time.
Brave New World
The Kite Runner
The Crucible
Anthem
Macbeth
Freakonomics
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button