Course Objective: The main objective of English II Pre-AP is to prepare the student for AP classes. The student will read, analyze, and evaluate prose, poetry, drama, novels, and learn to utilize proper English grammar, mechanics, and usage in writing and speaking. This course introduces and reinforces the skills needed for the AP test as well as for the state TAKS test.

Course Content: This is a partial list of selected units.

• Literary Analysis Tests

• Annotation of Texts

• Sentence composing

• The Pearl

• House on Mango Street

• Julius Caesar

• Lord of the Flies

• Night

• AP style multiple choice questions

• Short stories, poetry, other novels, prose

Classes: Classes consist of lectures, note taking, cooperative learning, group activities, discussions, oral presentations, projects, journal and essay writing, media presentations, and short research papers.  The students will be expected to keep a notebook.

• Late work is not accepted – Students who are absent must submit their make-up work according to HISD policy. Students who miss class because of a student trip should make up all work before they leave. If this is not possible, they must make prior arrangements and complete the work within two days of returning to class.

• Plagiarism:  Academic dishonesty (copying homework, cheating, plagiarism, using films and Cliffs Notes while failing to read the original books, etc) has no place in Pre-AP English, and I will not tolerate it. Plagiarism is the direct copying of any information from any source.  If a student chooses to plagiarize or break any other rule involving academic dishonesty, he or she will receive a zero.  Please see the HISD policy on cheating and plagiarism for the full district policy.

Course Evaluation:

• Each student is expected to perform at all times to his/her highest potential.

• Not all assignments are graded. Sometimes students practice skills just because it is part of education.

 Expectations and Guidelines:  Each student is held accountable for his/her behavior, work ethics, attendance and assignment completion.  Students must follow district student discipline policies an classroom rules.

 Classroom rules: 

1. The teacher is in charge.

2. Respect is required.

3. Students must stay in the classroom for the full 50 minutes of class. Passing period are the time to gather supplies and take care of personal business.

4. No food or drink is allowed in class.

5. Students must be prepared for class.

Consequences:  Consequences will be determined on a case to case basis.

*Noncompletion of  assignments or poor attendance is likely to result in failure of this course.

*The student handbooks contain consequences concerning unacceptable behavior, missed work, and absences from class.

*Teacher consequences include: morning detention, teacher/parent conferences, adjustment of seating, conference with student, loss of privileges, referral to principal’s office, or other relevant consequences.