Please use this website to improve your chances of success in my class, and allow your parents access so that they can monitor what's happening in the course. Education is a three-way street -- it requires effort from you and me, as well as support from home.
 
Special note about exams: At times, after an exam has been given, I keep the copies once students have had a chance to review them. If a student and/or parent would like to review an exam that was not sent home, they may make that request by emailing me at tthomas@fannin.k12.ga.us, or by calling me at 706-632-2081. If for any reason I cannot send the exam home, we can definitely make an appointment to review the test together.  
 
My schedule:
1st block -- Planning
2nd block -- Honors American Literature
3rd block -- American Literature
4th block -- AP English Language/Composition
 
 
RESOURCES: Please click on the links below to access the resources listed.
There are several EXCELLENT resources here for literary analysis help.
Check out the Pink Monkey Book Notes, Purdue Writing Lab, and/or Quick and Dirty Grammar Tips links if you find yourself frustrated and/or confused with reading and/or writing assignments!
For general helpful information about studying smarter and managing your time, click on the link.
School System Website
FCHS Website
Fannin School Calendar
Class Resources: Learn about the AP program.
Prepare for the AP exam.
Purdue Writing Lab (help with ANYTHING related to writing - BEST source for MLA/APA research help)
Companion Website for our AP textbook: The Language of Composition
Georgia Performance Standards for Language Arts
Quiz yourself to prepare for standardized tests like the SAT and AP exams using ready-made flash cards and games on Quizlet.
here's an app for for that -- vocabulary help on your smart phone -- crossword or word joust formats
Preparation for State Standardized Tests
Student Work with Teacher Commentary (for a better understanding of how writing is evaluated)
Pink Monkey Book Notes ( notes on novels, short stories, and poems)
Quick and Dirty Grammar Tips (Here's help with the tedious things BY WHICH YOU ARE CONFUSED. You know, like when it's really okay to end the sentence in a preposition!)
Online References (dictionary, thesaurus, . . .)
Books online, references, author info. -- all available at Bartleby.com
Know what's going on in the world without having to watch the evening news, and take advantage of resources for every subject -- World News for Students
Find clear answers for common questions at wiseGEEK.
Technology Resources:
Make your own animations for projects!
Mind Mapping website to help you organize your thoughts
Create PowerPoint presentations, even if you don't have PowerPoint!
Collaborate to create documents and drawings using:
etherpad.com
flockdraw.com
Bookmark and then some with Diigo, which will allow you to create your own library of bookmarks, highlight sources, annotate, etc., and you can keep it all private or create a group!
If you want to be part of the AP Language group I created, send me your email and I'll send you an invitation. It will give us a shared library of information.
 

The Fannin County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, creed, or disability in admission to its programs, services, and activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. For additional information or referral to the appropriate system coordinator, contact the system superintendent’s office at 2290 East First Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513 or 706-632-3771.
 

Focusing on a study of contemporary literature, students develop an understanding of current issues through the study of various non-fiction and fiction texts. Students will develop an understanding of rhetoric and how it affects the meaning of the literature. Students connect these understandings by using rhetorical strategies in their own writing about contemporary topics. The course is intended to prepare students for the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition course.

A nice resource for help understanding important vocabulary and course material is American Rhetoric.

When required to do research for literary criticism or other scholarly articles, don't forget Galileo's Literary Reference Center.

To view information about assignments from previous dates, click on "see past" under "Upcoming Events and Homework."

The 2008 College Board course description for AP Language indicates that this course is prescribed to help students “write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives.” The course is organized according to the requirements and guidelines of the current AP English Course Description; therefore, students are expected to read critically, think analytically, and communicate clearly both in writing and speech.

A valuable resource for gaining a better understanding of key vocabulary and course content is American Rhetoric.

To view information about assignments from previous dates, click on "see past" under "Upcoming Events and Homework."

Focusing on a study of American literature, students will develop an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of historical and cultural changes on literature of specific time periods. Students will also demonstrate skill in using textual evidence to support claims based on both literary and informational reading.  (CCGPS) To view information about assignments from previous dates, click on "see past" under "Upcoming Events and Homework."

Focusing on a study of American literature, students will develop an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of historical and cultural changes on literature of specific time periods. Students will also demonstrate skill in using textual evidence to support claims based on both literary and informational reading. (CCGPS) 

Remember that honors courses are designed to prepare students for the rigor of Advanced Placement study. Expect to read sophisticated works, think critically and analytically, and work diligently to improve your writing skills in a variety of modes of discourse. Honors students must maintain an unweighted average of 88 and earn an 85 or higher on the course EOCT to be recommended for the next course in the honors sequence. To view information about assignments from previous dates, click on "see past" under "Upcoming Events and Homework."

Just can't stay away? Feel free to access resources or get in touch to say hello or ask for help!

Below you will find the description of and all materials for the summer assignment.  Please sign up as a student in this class so that you can use the message board to share information or questions with other students in the class, and so that I have a record of your receiving the assignment. 

If you have questions for me, please email me using this site or at mailto:tthomas@fannin.k12.ga.us.  Enjoy your break!

Fannin County High School
Tammy Thomas