This class is taught in English.

📚 Understand and Apply Literary Analysis:

Goal: Students will gain a robust understanding of literary analysis, learning how to dissect and interpret various texts through different lenses.
Outcome: Ability to analyze and discuss literary elements such as theme, symbolism, and character development across genres.

🎭 Master Elements of Fiction and Poetry:

Goal: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the structural elements that define fiction and poetry.
Outcome: Competence in identifying and using elements like plot, setting, character, meter, and rhyme to analyze and appreciate literature.

✍️ Enhance Analytical Writing Skills:

Goal: Improve skills in writing coherent, structured, and insightful literary analysis essays.
Outcome: Capability to construct strong thesis statements, support arguments with textual evidence, and compose essays that clearly convey complex ideas.

🕵️ Critically Engage with Prose and Poetry Texts:

Goal: Learn advanced techniques for analyzing prose and poetry, focusing on deep textual interpretation.
Outcome: Proficiency in employing literary terms and concepts to conduct detailed textual analyses and discussions.

🖋️ Prepare for AP Exam Format and Expectations:

Goal: Familiarize with the AP English Literature and Composition exam's format, including both multiple-choice and free-response sections.
Outcome: Readiness to tackle the exam with effective strategies for answering multiple-choice questions and crafting high-scoring free-response essays.

📝 Build Confidence in Test-Taking Abilities:

Goal: Develop confidence in handling AP exam pressures through practice and mastery of content.
Outcome: Enhanced ability to manage exam time effectively, reducing test anxiety and improving overall performance.

🤝 Collaborate and Communicate in an Academic Setting:

Goal: Encourage active participation and collaboration among students to foster a deeper understanding of literature and composition.
Outcome: Improved communication skills through regular discussion, peer feedback, and group activities, fostering an academic community of literature enthusiasts.

These goals are designed to not only prepare students for the AP English Literature and Composition exam but also to deepen their love and understanding of literature, enhancing their critical thinking and writing skills in a supportive and interactive environment.

Teacher Expertise: Ms. Na'im, Ed.S.

Educational Background and Certifications:

Graduate Degrees: Holds graduate degrees in Education Administration, Curriculum, and Instruction, providing a strong foundation in educational theories and practices.

Certification: Certified secondary education teacher with qualifications to teach high school English and AP English Literature and Composition. This includes specific training in advanced placement curricula and exam preparation techniques.

Professional Experience:

Experienced Educator: Over 10 years of teaching experience in high school English and college preparatory courses. Specialized in developing curriculum and teaching methodologies that engage and prepare students for high academic achievements, including AP exams.

AP English Literature Instructor: Extensive experience specifically teaching AP English Literature and Composition, with a proven track record of students achieving high scores on the AP exam.

Teaching Philosophy and Approach:

Student-Centered Learning: Emphasizes interactive learning and critical thinking. Focuses on cultivating students' analytical and interpretive skills through discussion, debate, and practical application of literary theories.

Diverse Instructional Methods: Utilizes a variety of teaching methods including direct instruction, guided practice, and independent research tasks to cater to different learning styles and ensure comprehensive understanding.

Professional Development:

Ongoing Education: Regularly attends workshops and seminars on advanced placement education and literature instruction to stay updated with the latest educational strategies and AP examination changes.

Accomplishments:

Curriculum Development: Has developed and refined AP English Literature courses that have consistently been praised for their thoroughness and ability to resonate with students, leading to higher comprehension and exam success rates.

Commitment to Excellence:

Committed to providing the highest quality education, Ms. Na'im employs her deep knowledge of literature and her pedagogical expertise to enhance students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

4+ hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: included
Feedback: included
Details: For the "Unlocking Literature: A Prep Journey for AP English Literature and Composition" course, the homework is an integral component designed to reinforce classroom learning and prepare students for the AP exam. Here’s a detailed description of the homework expectations:

Type of Homework Assigned
Homework assignments will typically include:
[] Reading Assignments: Students will be assigned literary texts ranging from classic to contemporary works, approximately 20-30 pages per session. This will help deepen their understanding of different literary styles and themes.
[] Writing Exercises: These will involve crafting thesis statements, analyzing passages, and eventually building towards full-length essays. Exercises will focus on improving clarity, argument structure, and the use of textual evidence.
[] Analytical Tasks: Students may be asked to identify literary devices in assigned readings or provide a critical analysis of specific characters or themes.

Frequency and Submission
[] Regular Assignments: Homework will be assigned at the end of each class session, ensuring students have ample time to complete it before the next class. This regular practice helps students maintain a steady pace of learning.
[] Submission: Assignments should be submitted through the course’s online platform (e.g., Google Classroom), where they can be tracked and reviewed by the instructor.
Checking for Correctness and Feedback

Graded Assignments: All homework will be checked for correctness. The instructor will provide detailed feedback on writing assignments, focusing on areas of strength and suggestions for improvement. This feedback is crucial for helping students refine their analytical and writing skills.

Interactive Review Sessions: Some class sessions will include a review of common homework challenges and discussion of key learning points, which helps reinforce the material and address any widespread issues among students.

Requirement and Adaptation
Mandatory Completion: All assignments are required for all students, as they are designed to complement the class content and prepare students for the AP exam. Completing the homework is essential for achieving the learning goals of the course.

Accommodations: If students have specific learning needs, accommodations can be made. This might include extended deadlines or modified assignments to ensure that all students can successfully participate in the course.
Homework is not only a way to reinforce what is taught in class but also an opportunity for students to explore literature more deeply and enhance their critical thinking and writing skills outside the classroom environment.
Assessment
Frequency: included
Details: In the "Unlocking Literature: A Prep Journey for AP English Literature and Composition" course, assessments are crucial for monitoring progress, reinforcing learning, and preparing students for the AP exam. Here’s a detailed overview of the role assessments play in this class, the types offered, their frequency, and their format:

Role of Assessments
Assessments in this course serve multiple purposes:
[] Feedback: They provide immediate feedback to students on their understanding and mastery of the course material.
[] Progress Tracking: Assessments help both the instructor and the students track progress over time, identifying areas where additional focus may be needed.
[] Exam Preparation: Regular practice with exam-style questions builds familiarity with the AP exam format, reducing anxiety and improving performance.

Types of Assessments and Frequency
[] Formative Assessments: These occur frequently throughout the course and include quizzes, short writing tasks, and oral presentations. They are designed to gauge comprehension and to guide future teaching strategies.
[] Summative Assessments: Major assessments such as mid-course and end-of-course exams, as well as a final project (a comprehensive literary analysis essay), serve to evaluate cumulative knowledge and skills.
[] Continuous Feedback: In addition to formal assessments, continuous informal feedback is provided through class discussions and homework reviews, allowing for ongoing adjustments to learning approaches.

Assessment Format and Requirement
[] In-Class Assessments: Quizzes and some writing assessments are conducted during class sessions to ensure that they reflect students’ independent abilities and to allow for immediate discussion of the results.
[] Take-Home Assessments: Longer writing assignments take-home assessments. These assignments are critical for developing deep analytical and writing skills without the time constraints of the classroom environment.
[] Mandatory Participation: All assessments are required for all students. They are integral to the learning process and necessary for the comprehensive evaluation of student progress and understanding.

Integration with Class Activities
Assessments are integrated with daily class activities to ensure a cohesive learning experience:

Preparation: Lessons often prepare students for upcoming assessments by covering relevant content and discussing effective strategies for tackling different types of questions.

Review: After assessments, especially significant ones like the mid-course and final exams, review sessions are held to go over the answers, discuss common mistakes, and clarify misunderstandings.

In summary, assessments in the "Unlocking Literature" course are structured to support learning, provide meaningful feedback, and prepare students thoroughly for the AP English Literature and Composition exam. They are an essential component of the course, ensuring that students are not only engaging with the material but also applying it effectively.
Grading
Frequency: included
Details: In the "Unlocking Literature: A Prep Journey for AP English Literature and Composition" course, grading plays a critical role in providing structured feedback and measuring student progress. 

Here's an overview of the grading options, policies, and the role grades play in this class:

Grading Options and Policies
[] Default Grading: Grades are provided by default for all learners. This approach ensures that every student receives consistent feedback and has a clear understanding of their performance relative to the course objectives.
[] Grade Reporting: Detailed feedback and grades are reported for each major assignment and assessment. This includes numerical scores where applicable, along with qualitative feedback to guide improvements.
[] Request-Based Feedback: While grades are provided by default, additional detailed feedback or further explanation of grades is available upon request. This allows students or parents who wish for more in-depth analysis or who have concerns about particular assessments to receive tailored feedback.

Role of Grades in the Class
[] Performance Measurement: Grades serve as a formal measurement of student understanding and mastery of the course material. They help students gauge their progress in acquiring the skills and knowledge required to succeed not only in this preparatory course but also in the actual AP exam.
[] Motivation and Engagement: Grades can motivate students by providing goals and benchmarks for their academic efforts. They also foster a competitive yet supportive environment where students can strive to improve.
[] Guidance for Improvement: Grading isn't just about assessment; it's also a critical tool for learning. It directs students to areas where they need to focus more and helps them recognize their strengths.
[] Preparation for Future Academic Challenges: Regular grading prepares students for the rigorous evaluation standards they will encounter in college and in AP examinations, making it an integral part of their academic training.

Assessment Types Included in Grading
[] Homework and Class Assignments: These are graded to assess regular engagement and understanding of daily class material.
[] Quizzes and Tests: Short quizzes may be used to quickly assess understanding of recent topics, while longer tests might cover more comprehensive content areas.
[] Essays and Projects: Major writing assignments and the final project are graded not only on content accuracy but also on clarity, argument structure, and adherence to literary analysis techniques.

Conclusion
Grades in the "Unlocking Literature" course are fundamental for educational assessment and feedback. They are provided by default to ensure a consistent evaluation framework that supports educational objectives and prepares students for future academic success. Grades help personalize the learning experience by identifying individual needs and accomplishments, making them an essential component of the course structure.

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For the course "Unlocking Literature: A Prep Journey for AP English Literature and Composition," a variety of scholarly sources, literary texts, and educational resources are utilized to ensure a rich and comprehensive learning experience. Here is a detailed list of the sources and materials used in the class:

Literary Texts
Classic and Contemporary Works: The course covers a wide range of literary texts that are typical of those studied in an AP English Literature course. This includes works by authors such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, George Orwell, Toni Morrison, and many others. Specific titles are selected to provide a diverse view of different periods, styles, and cultural perspectives.

Scholarly Articles and Criticism
Academic Journals: Articles and criticism from respected literary journals are incorporated to provide students with advanced insights into the texts being studied. These resources help deepen understanding and facilitate higher-level analytical discussions.

Online Databases: Access to databases such as JSTOR or Project Muse may be recommended for students seeking additional scholarly articles or literary criticism.

Educational Websites
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): Used extensively for its resources on MLA formatting, essay writing, and citation guidelines.
SparkNotes and Shmoop: These sites provide summaries, theme analyses, and character overviews which are useful for introductory exploration of complex texts.
British Council Literature: Offers resources and insights into British literature, useful for understanding historical and cultural contexts.

Books and Textbooks
"How to Read Literature Like a Professor" by Thomas C. Foster: Used as a supplementary text to enhance literary analysis skills. (optional)

Third-Party Educational Tools
Google Classroom: Used as the primary platform for distributing materials, collecting assignments, and facilitating classroom communication.
Kahoot!: Interactive quizzes created using Kahoot! help review and reinforce learning in an engaging way.

Compliance with Class Content Policy
All sources used in the class are carefully selected to adhere to educational content policies and are appropriate for the high school level. They are intended to enrich the curriculum and provide students with a robust framework for understanding and analyzing literature at an advanced level.

These sources form the backbone of the course material, ensuring that students are not only prepared for the AP English Literature exam but are also exposed to a breadth of literature and criticism that will enhance their appreciation and critical thinking skills. If any specific sources need to be reviewed or approved, please contact the course instructor.