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
“AP English Literature & Composition is the other half of the coin to AP English Language & Composition. Instead of focusing on writing, this course is largely focused on reading. In this class, you will read plenty of books and learn to read between the lines. Using your understanding of the passages, you will write essays to back up your claims. If you love reading or just want a chill AP class, AP English Literature & Composition is a fantastic option!”
- Brennan Lee (Class of 2023)
“AP English Literature & Composition is a course focused on reading interesting novels/poems/short stories and analyzing how different parts of the story work together to enhance the meaning. I would recommend this course for anyone that enjoys reading and digging deeper into books.”
- Leah Gillette (Class of 2023)
“What are the makings of a good novel, short story, or poem? What can fiction teach us about ourselves? These are the questions AP English Literature & Composition seeks to answer as you deconstruct classic literary canons to reveal the substance underneath. You'll explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works. You'll also learn about how historical and cultural context shapes such pieces, as well as how stories can in turn transform our society for years to come.”
- Mark Gikas (Class of 2023)