Course Syllabus

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Syllabus AP English Language and Composition, SEM 1

Welcome

Welcome to AP English Language and Composition, SEM 1! We’re so glad you’re here.

Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.

To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.

As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.

We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community! 

Pacing

AP - Pacing and Work Flow

This 16-week semester course has been designed so that--on average--you will be completing about one lesson each week, with additional time allotted for exams and special projects.

Plan to devote about one hour each weekday to this class, just as you would for one class period in a physical school building, plus some extra “homework” time for bigger assignments as needed.

Unlike other asynchronous courses you may have taken online, AP semester courses have due dates and deadlines that you will need to follow. Pay close attention to the course calendar and establish a routine early that works best for you. Then, pace yourself by setting targeted, attainable, and manageable goals each day. Planning ahead, balance, and routine will be your best friends!

AP - Participation 

Participation in online discussions (e.g., discussion forums, chats, group projects, and/or instructor conferences) is expected and will factor into your overall course grade.

All online discussions described in course lesson pages are required unless your instructor notes otherwise. Your instructor may also arrange additional required chats or instructor conferences. Be sure to regularly check the course calendar and announcements from your instructor regarding upcoming discussions and requirements.

Your participation in required online discussions will be evaluated on criteria such as frequency, timeliness, thoughtfulness and effort, and overall contribution to the knowledge base and learning experience of your classmates. You are also expected to monitor and respond to posts on discussion threads that you have started or have previously contributed to; you should not simply make a post and consider the discussion “done,” because it should be an ongoing conversation with your peers and/or instructor.

Postings that begin new discussion forum threads will be reviewed based on their relevance, demonstrated understanding of course concepts, examples cited, and overall quality. Postings that respond to other students’ posts will be evaluated based on relevance, the degree to which they extend discussions, and tone. This may entail asking a question or comparing and/or contrasting your classmate’s post with your own.

In order to earn full credit for discussion forum participation, your posts and responses must be substantive. In other words, you will not earn credit for just replying "Good post" or "I agree" to a classmate.

AP - Late Work and Absences

Work must be turned in on time for full credit. If you are unable to complete an assignment on time, contact your instructor immediately. Prior permission from the online course instructor must be obtained for special circumstances to receive credit for late work. These decisions will be made on an individual basis.

You must notify your instructor if you expect to be offline for more than 1 week.

Course Description

This is a 16 week online course composed of an orientation week and 15 weekly sessions. Expect to invest about 9-15 hours a week on course activities and assignments.

The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing and the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts. Students will develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages the writing process and drafts.  Students will evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments.  Throughout the course, students will develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical and rhetorical choices.  Additionally, students will read and analyze the rhetorical elements in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text.

Most AP courses consist of 2 semesters and you should complete semester 1 before starting semester 2. AP exams are offered early in May.

NOTE: If you enroll after the start date in an AP course, it is important that you adjust to the pacing chart accordingly so you can complete your course before the scheduled AP exam dates or use this link to find more information about Advanced Placement and to see the AP Exam Calendar.

This online course will:

  • prepare you to take the College Board Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Examination.
  • help you become a skilled reader and writer by composing in several forms, writing informally, and writing expository, analytical, and argumentative compositions.
  • develop your research skills and the ability to evaluate, use, and cite primary and secondary sources.
  • build strategies for revising your writing in order to develop a wide-ranging vocabulary and an effective use of rhetoric, including tone, voice, diction, and sentence structure.
  • develop on online learning community of AP scholars.

On a more personal note, as you can see from the course objectives, this course is not designed only for the AP exam. It will also reflect the aspiration of creating lifelong learners through student-centered, active learning. We will be using a variety of readings and activities to keep you motivated and learning. This course will be both rigorous and rewarding, and your instructor looks forward to exploring the content and application of language and composition with you this year.

Course Essential Questions


How can we tell stories that show the world who we are?

What can we learn from researching with others?

Course Overview

Lesson

Objectives

Quiz

Assignment

1: Introduction to Narrative Writing and Memoirs
  1. define core features of qualities of memoir
  2. analyze how individual stories connect us across generation, culture, politics, faith, etc. through shared human experience
  3. apply inference to determine implicit thesis in narrative writing
  4. identify a meaningful, focal event from your life that will you use to write your own memoir (due at the end of Lesson 3)
  5. apply active reading strategies to peer review and collaboration in small group discussion

Lesson 1 Vocabulary Self-Check

Lesson 1 Journal: Reflecting on the Memoir

Parts 1 and 2: Memoir Prewriting and Collaborative Analysis

2: Narrative Writing Strategies
  1. apply strategies of critical analysis to “Night” and “Persepolis” from Lesson 1
  2. apply strategies of active reading and critical analysis to excerpts from “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and “A Long Way Gone”
  3. define and demonstrate the levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy: remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, create
  4. define and recognize examples of the following rhetorical and literary devices: irony, imagery, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, symbol, flashback, allusion
  5. define and use in context selected vocabulary from assigned memoirs
  6. use analogies to solve linguistic equations.
  7. apply success strategies for Advanced Placement multiple choice questions
  8. use dialogue correctly and appropriately to move your plot and create strong impressions of the people in your story

Lesson 2 Quiz (Lessons 1 and 2)

(30 Questions)

Lesson 2 Journal: A Long Way Gone

Submit Memoir First Draft

Part 3: Memoir Peer Review

3: Revising and Editing Your Memoir
  1. use narrative writing to express an implicit thesis or illustrate a generalization.
  2. apply the following features of narrative writing to your original memoir: point of view, conflict, plot, theme
  3. develop transitions to connect events and ideas.
  4. apply self-evaluation strategies to your writing.
  5. use the stages of the writing process to determine your subject, purpose, and audience for your original memoir

(n/a)

Lesson 3 Journal: Reflecting on Your Second Draft

Lesson 3: Write and Submit Memoir Final Draft

4: Introduction to Expository Writing
  1. define and recognize the features of expository/informative writing
  2. distinguish fact from opinion
  3. evaluate bias and reliability of sources
  4. synthesize key themes from the personal memoirs read in Lessons 1-3 with facts from their broader historical context
  5. define and apply selected vocabulary from the assigned readings
  6. choose one of the four books excerpted in Lessons 1-3 to read in full for your semester book project
  7. evaluate sample exam essays using the AP scoring guide

(n/a)

Lesson 4 Journal: Analyzing Expository Writing

Lesson 4: AP Essay Analysis Part 1

Lesson 4: Discussion Reflection

5: Expository Writing Strategies
  • analyze expository information from a variety of sources
  • evaluate the role of examples as supporting evidence
  • recognize key data and facts in designated readings and videos
  • distinguish fact from opinion in designated readings and videos
  • accurately interpret information from charts, graphs, and statistics
  • apply contextual data and information to your ongoing memoir study
  • define and apply designated vocabulary words from the assigned readings in Lessons 4 and 5

Lesson 5 Quiz: Lessons 4 and 5 (19 Questions)

Lesson 5 Journal: Re-examining Memoirs with Context

Lesson 5: AP Essay Analysis Part 2

6: Revising and Editing Your Expository Essay
  • Apply deliberate organizational strategies to your expository writing
  • Use specific data, information, and examples as specific evidence to support generalizations
  • Synthesize information from a variety of sources to develop original expository writing
  • Demonstrate control of language and an academic voice in your expository writing
  • Use a balanced variety of evidence in the body of support in an expository essay
  • Distinguish between primary and secondary sources
  • Demonstrate academic integrity and correct source citation
  • Write a polished, thorough expository essay

(n/a)

Lesson 6: Expository Essay Draft 1

Lesson 6: Expository Essay Draft 2

Midterm Exam (20 MC Questions, 2 Essay Questions)

7: Introduction to Research
  • evaluate the credibility of sources and recognize bias
  • demonstrate visual literacy by analyzing information from a variety of sources (charts, graphs, photographs, editorial cartoons, and news media)
  • identify the different types of periodicals and evaluate their use in academic research
  • apply research strategies to the historical context that will be the focus of your paper trail assignment in Lesson 9 and your final class project

(n/a)

Lesson 7 Discussion: Group Project Potential Resources

8: Synthesizing Information
  • apply strategies of critical evaluation
  • recognize essential information within research sources
  • articulate connections and establish relationships among a variety of sources
  • define and apply vocabulary from the assigned readings
  • recognize data manipulation in service of a persuasive argument

Lesson 8 Graded Quiz (15 Questions)

Lesson 8 Discussion: Group Project Potential Resources Part 2

9: Writing an Annotated Bibliography
  • Develop a targeted, purposeful research question
  • Apply research strategies to locate and properly document a variety of relevant academic source material
  • annotate research sources
  • Demonstrate proper MLA documentation of sources in a complete list of Works Cited
  • Write a research summary that articulates the connections among and relevance of source material
  • Write a reflective essay on the research process and synthesize research findings into a potential position

(n/a)

9.3 Journal: Research Progress Check

Lesson 9: Paper Trail Assignment

10: Introduction to Persuasive Argument
  1. Define and apply the distinguishing features of opinion, persuasion, and argument.
  2. Use syntax strategies to craft effective thesis statements.
  3. Recognize and apply the qualities of an effective tone in persuasive argumentation and its relationship to audience.
  4. Define the features of the three rhetorical modes in persuasive argumentation: ethos (ethical appeal), logos (rational appeal), and pathos (emotional appeal).
  5. Apply the Toulmin method of organization for persuasive essays
  6. Apply inductive and deductive reasoning to develop and support a thesis.

(n/a)

Lesson 10: Submit Final Project Group Contract

Lesson 10 Discussion: Debate Part 1

11: Strategies of Persuasion
  1. Define and recognize examples of propaganda techniques.
  2. Define and recognize examples of logical fallacies.
  3. Manipulate ethos, logos, and pathos to appeal to your audience.
  4. Define, recognize examples, and use in your writing the following devices: denotation, connotation, hyperbole, euphemism, irony, analogy, jargon, parallelism, sentimentality, symbol.
  5. Evaluate argumentation, evidence, and tone in sample persuasive essays, editorials, and advertisements.

Lesson 11 Graded Quiz (20 Questions)

Lesson 11 Discussion: Debate Part 2

12: Revising and Editing the Persuasive Essay
  1. Assert a clear and convincing thesis for a persuasive argument.
  2. Gather and present evidence for your argument that demonstrates currency, relevance, accuracy, authority, and purpose.
  3. Manipulate ethos, logos, and pathos to appeal to your audience.
  4. Apply purposeful inductive or deductive reasoning to develop your claims and evidence.
  5. Recognize and correct logical fallacies in your argumentation.
  6. Strike an academically persuasive tone.
  7. Develop convincing counterclaims in support of your position.
  8. Apply the stages of the writing process to achieve a crisp, polished, and sophisticated final essay.

(n/a)

Lesson 12 Discussion: First Draft Peer Review

Lesson 12: Persuasive Essay Assignment

Final Project Group Submission

Final Project Individual Submission

Final Exam (20 M/C Questions, 2 Essay Questions)

 

Assignment, Quiz, and Exam Expectations

Quizzes & Assignments

You should submit all assigned work in sequence (Lesson 1, then Lesson 2, etc.) Assignments for the course are listed at the bottom of this syllabus.

Most Mizzou Academy courses include graded quizzes, submitted assignments, online discussions, or a combination of these elements.

You may use any assigned readings, your notes, and other course-related materials to complete your graded quizzes, submitted work, and/or online discussions. The points you earn on your submitted work will count toward your final course grade. Be sure to check your work carefully for errors (e.g. spelling, grammar, and punctuation) as errors may result in points being deducted.

Each lesson provides step-by-step instructions on how to submit your work.

Graded Quizzes

All quizzes for Mizzou Academy Online / MU High School courses are taken online. After you submit them, you’ll quickly receive a report on how you did.

NOTE: The graded quizzes cannot be retaken because you will receive immediate feedback for all items you’ve missed.

Submitted Assignments

Assignments may consist of written work (essays, compositions, etc.), collaborative projects, journal entries, audio or video recordings, multimedia presentations, graphics, etc. Each assignment will list the instructions for completing that assignment. Assignments may require you to submit your completed work in the form of a file (such as a text document, image, audio or video recording, or multimedia presentation) or a hyperlink for grading. See your Helpful Resources section of your course for tutorials.

Canvas automatically allows students to resubmit assignments. However, students should not resubmit assignments without prior instructor approval.

 

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:

Source Available Points
Lesson Assignments 342 Points
Lesson Quizzes 42 Points
Midterm Exam 190 Points
Final Exam 190 Points
Discussions 72 Points
Total 908 Points

 

Textbook & Technology Requirements

To fully participate, make sure you have:

  • A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
  • A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
  • Any other required textbooks or materials for the course

Materials

  • Speakers or a pair of headphones (headphones preferred)
  • You will be required to purchase ONE of the following texts.  You will be given more information about which book to purchase in Lesson 6.
    • I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (ISBN-10: 0812980026)
    • A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah (ISBN-10: 0374531269)
    • Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (ISBN-10: 0375714839)
    • Night by Elie Wiesel (ISBN-10: 0374500010)

Technology

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • audio and video recording capabilities (e.g., smartphone, camera)

If you ever have trouble accessing course materials or recording tools, reach out to your teacher for support. We are here to help!

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

Canvas Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due