Syllabus - Nagayoshi, 2014

SYLLABUS PACKET

Course: AP English Literature and Composition, Period 7
Instructor: Mr. Nagayoshi (Rm. 3-315)

This course fosters opportunities to reinforce your reading and critical analysis, sharpen
you writing prociency, and enhance your understanding of the literary and compositional
elements of the English language. Regardless of whether you qualify for credit after taking
the AP exam, this class guarantees that you leave armed with essential skills and
knowledge that prepare you for higher academia and life beyond. As motivated AP
students, the responsibility is upon you to become the best critical readers, procient
writers, and effective speakers you could be. While achieving this vision of English
mastery will be challenging, together we will persevereafter all, AP English with Mr.
Nagayoshi is designed to guide you through this journey. We got this.

CLASS OVERVIEW

This class asks students to read an array of ction and non-ction texts, write and discuss
everyday, prepare for the AP exam, and develop competencies in areas of grammar and
vocabulary. In keeping with the structure of this course, you should be prepared for
college-level content, presentation, and expectations. Below lists the tentative breakdown
of the rst semester (note: all details subject to change):


Examples of Objectives Text
Weeks 1-4:
Short stories
Unit 1: WHO AM I? Analyzing literary and
informational text, reading and writing per Common
Core and AP standards, understanding elements of
ction, expanding repertoire of literary canon, learning
how to take SAT/AP exams, etc.
Fictional works and
poetry from various
authors.
Weeks 5-10:
Novels (I)
Catcher in the Rye
(Salinger); Hamlet
(Shakespeare)
Weeks 11-12:
College prep and
essays
Preparation for college, including working on essays,
SAT reading and writing, having socratic seminars,
exploring personal narratives and identity.
Non-ctional texts
and articles from
various authors.
Weeks 13-16:
Novel (II)
Exploring systems of oppression, such as imperialism
and racism. Strengthening of knowledge from
previous weeks.
Things Fall Apart
(Achebe); Brave
New World (Huxley)
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Syllabus - Nagayoshi, 2014
GRADING POLICY

You earn your grades and expectations are held high. Although youll be receiving period
updates on your progress, you are ultimately responsible for tracking and assessing your
standing in the class.

10% Homework Daily work assigned as preparation for class lessons.
25% Participation On-task, non-disruptive, and participative class behavior.
10% In-class Work All quizzes, class assignments, warm ups, etc.
20% Assessments All major tests and assessments announced in advance.
35% Writing All major writing assignments, such as essays and projects.


Deadlines: Adhere to deadlines, which will be absolute. Assignments are given prior
notice well in advance. Those submitted in late for any reason cannot receive an A.

Absence: Excused absences include documented (and signed) medical reasons, family
emergencies, eld trips, and athletic dismissals. The absence will be excused, but missed
work is not. You must be responsible for contacting Mr. Nagayoshi and making up any
missed work.

Class Participation: Participation is expected and
requiredyour grade is dependent upon it. You are
expected to participate in active discussion by raising
relevant, thoughtful questions/observations about the
reading selections and paying sustained, consistent
attention to the comments of others. You are expected
to offer questions, signicant commentary, and/or
corroborative evidence from text or other research
materials to enhance class discussion.

Cheating and Plagiarism: Plagiarism, or the
intentional AND unintentional copying of others work is
cheating and not tolerated. Any assignment with
evidence of cheating or plagiarism will receive an
automatic zero and cannot be redone.

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Grading Policy
35%
20%
10%
25%
10%
Homework Participation
In-class Work Assessment
Writing
Syllabus - Nagayoshi, 2014
EXPECTATIONS

Materials: Bring at least one writing instrument, notebook or lined paper, three-ringed
binder everydayno exceptions. Additional materials will be specied by Mr. Nagayoshi in
class that day. Additionally, you are expected to take thorough notes on discussion and
readings. Notes and annotations help you retain the information.

Cellphone Use: Unsanctioned usage of electronic devices is prohibited in class. In case
of use, disciplinary action that must be taken in accordance to the NBHS Student
Handbookadditionally, students will lose class participation credit for that day.

Technology: To prepare for college and promote our technological literacy, this class will
utilize online resources (e.g., Google Drive apps and Engrade). Printer, email, and/or any
other technology problems are NOT acceptable reasons for late or incomplete work.
Prepare and plan accordingly.

Communication: Good communication is KEY to your success, both in and outside this
class. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues that should be raised, do not
hesitate to contact me. When in doubt, communicate! Im available before and after class,
whether by appointment or walk in, although prior notice is recommended. You can
contact me through, email at tnagayoshi@newbedfordschools.org or
takeru.nagayoshi@gmail.com.


STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT

I, ____________________________________, (print STUDENT name) have fully read
and understand the English 10 Honors grading policy and expectations and will make
every effort to uphold the standards expressed in this syllabus.

Signed, _________________________________________
(student signature)

I, ____________________________________, (print PARENT name) have fully read and
understand the English 10 Honors grading policy and expectations for my child.

Signed, _________________________________________
(parent signature)

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Syllabus - Nagayoshi, 2014
CLASSROOM VISION

Life rewards those who aspire to continually grow and learn. To set ourselves up for success, (1)
we aim to explore our identities as young adults and (2) college-ready, life-long scholars.
We push ourselves to (3) master the tools of the English languageto become critical readers,
skillful writers, and effective speakers who enact the change in the world we seek. The path to
victory is daunting, but we will persevere. (4) We will hold ourselves responsible. (5) We will
present our 100% selves. (6) We will collaborate with others. Winning is for those who aspire
to continually grow and learn. Winning is for US.

(1) Personal
Growth
We aim to explore our identities as young identities academically, socially,
and emotionally in order to become well-rounded contributing members of the
world; we will develop an inquisitive, critical consciousness of ourselves as
beings in larger systems (e.g., New Bedford, the United States, the world).
(2) College-ready
Scholars
We strive to develop our identities as scholars and push ourselves
academically in order to set ourselves up for success in college and life
beyond; we understand that our education helps achieve our success,
whatever our ultimate dreams or ambitions may be, and endeavor to work
relentlessly to expand our academic and intellectual capacity; finally, we see
that English mastery is necessary for successful performance in college.
(3) English
Masters
We endeavor to master the English language because its masteryin terms
of reading, writing, and speakingis critical to achieve our goals and become
successful in life, regardless of our career path; we view English skills as
powerful tools that allow one to communicate, persuade, and take advantage
of life opportunities, and that no matter how intelligent or talented we are, we
cannot succeed without first mastering the English language.
(4) Self-
Responsibility
We realize that whether or not we succeed is within our hands and, as such,
persevere to hold extremely high expectations for ourselves; we strive not to
make any excuses, learn from mistakes, ask for help/advice, and refuse to
give up (especially in times of hardship); we understand that success in this
classroom is contingent on being responsible to our learning (not simply
doing work) and students will demonstrate this by being their 100% selves.
(5) Professional
Attitude
We hold ourselves to the highest professional standard to ready ourselves for
life in college and beyond; we will embody professionalism in our attitude and
mindset 100% of the time, and work to demonstrate this mindset through
appropriate behavior in accordance to class procedures, policies and rules.
(6) Teamwork
We aim to collaborate and work alongside others, both through celebrating
our differences and recognizing our shared values, interests, and goals; we
understand that forging good relationships and being able to work with others
(especially those we perceive as different) is necessary to succeed within
an increasingly globalized and pluralistic world.
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Syllabus - Nagayoshi, 2014
CLASS PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

Enter/Exit
Student will
follow the
proper
procedures for
entering and
exiting the
classroom.
Entering
Students will enter on time, pick up and begin their
DoNows in silence in their seats; wait for further
instructions. Tardy is when the door is shut.
Bathrooms
Students will use bathrooms before/after class except in
cases of emergency. Students will raise their hand, get
permission to use bathroom, and sign before/after exiting
the classroom.
Exiting
Students will leave when dismissed (Thank you class, I
will see you tomorrow) and drop off their Exit Tickets or
assignments in the designated dropbox.
Preparation
Students will
come prepared
to class by
having the right
material
completing their
homework.
Homework
Students will complete their homework and assignments
before their due dates (absent students will email due
assignments); missed homework will be made up.
Writing
Utensils
Students will come to class with proper writing
instruments. Students without writing utensils must sign
out to borrow pencilsparticipation grade will be affected.
Email
Students will utilize their email and Google Drive services
to communicate with teacher, receive assignments, get
feedback, and collaborate on documents.
Behavior
Students will
behave in class
appropriately,
whatever the
setup, in
accordance to
the classroom
norms
learning is
maximized.
In-class
Behavior
(SLANT)
Students will sit upright at all times, track the speaker, take
notes, and give teacher the proper body language to
communicate their participation and comprehension (e.g.,
nodding, hand signals, leaning forward).
Independent
Practice
Students will work in silence or quietly at their desks;
students will be expected to complete, share out, or submit
their independent work.
Pair and
Group Work
Students will follow directions and work with their
partner(s) using their in-door voices; students will be
expected to complete, share out, or submit their work.
Raising
Hand
Students will silently raise their hand to participate or have
their request heard; teacher will acknowledge the student,
if appropriate.
Track
Students will track the speaker, meaning they provide their
undivided attention to the speaker in silence, while sitting
up with their bodies/ears faced toward him or her.
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Syllabus - Nagayoshi, 2014
CLASS RULES

To reach our vision and classroom goals, students will abide the rules with no exceptions. We
have rules to maximize our learning in class and ensure that all students are on track to learning
without disruption. Those not abiding rules will receive consequences.


Consequence Hierarchy

Students who do not follow the rules are choosing to interrupt their learning, as well as the
learning of others. To achieve our vision and goals, students will be given consequences to ensure
they get back on the path to success.

1. Verbal Warning: In instance of off-task behavior, student will be given one verbal warning,
either in class or privately.
2. Written Warning (Strike): If behavior persists, name will be written down. Multiple strikes
will be used to inform possible disciplinary actions.
3. Disciplinary Action: +2 strikes will result in disciplinary action, such as (in order of rising
severity) moving seats, 1-1 conference, detention, parent notication, and referral to the
school administration (rare).


Rules What and Why?
Follow directions the
rst time theyre given
Students will listen to and follow directions the rst time theyre
given. Following the directions properly enables all persons in the
classroom to understand procedure, complete their work correctly,
and maximize their learning.
Uphold Class
Procedures and
Expectations
Students will abide by the class procedures, policies norms/
expectations as practiced in class. Failure to abide by the class
procedures and expectations will disrupt the ow of the class and
negatively affect the learning of all students.
Address problems with
Mr. Nagayoshi
privately
Students unsatised with an aspect of the class can address their
concerns and problems to Mr. Nagayoshi privately, either before/
after class or through private appointment; students are NOT
permitted to argue or act out during class, as this will result in the
disruption of learning.
3 Date: September 2, 2014