B+ in AP Language and Composition or Junior English
AP English Literature and Composition is designed to engage “students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature” (College Board Course Description) in order to prepare them for college-level communication and analysis. Students will examine works of recognized literary merit from a wide variety of time periods, genres and backgrounds. More importantly, they will get to know a few works well. Students will “read deliberately and thoroughly, taking time to analyze a work’s complexity, to absorb its richness of meaning, and to analyze how that meaning is embodied in literary form” (College Board Course Description). Through a considerable amount of close reading, focused writing and involved discussion, students will learn to identify stylistic elements of prose and poetry such as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. Students must take the Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature and Composition in May.
Summer Reading Requirement
1 text required
Students will:
- Write to understand, to explain, and to evaluate literature.
- Demonstrate independent response and critical thinking about various texts and concepts.
- Work towards establishing a personal voice and writing style by practicing the writing process (prewriting, drafting, editing, revising and publishing); practice various genres of writing, including imaginative, persuasive, reflective, descriptive and analytical.
- Develop skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation through the appreciation and examination of how language is used in poetry, fiction and drama.
Student assessment will include:
- Short Answer responses
- Timed essays
- Formal essays
- Presentations (individual)
- Projects
- Participation in class and small group discussions