The purpose of this course is to provide students with college-level experiences in intensive, critical reading and thinking about literature in various genres from the 16th century to the present. The works we study in this class are challenging texts from the English literary canon; they support multiple interpretations and show how writers express themselves through structure, style, and theme, using elements such as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone to enhance artistry and create meaning in their work.
Writing about literature is an essential component of this course. In addition to annotation of texts and exploratory journal writings, students will write multiple analytical, interpretive, and evaluative essays about the works they read. The goal of writing instruction in AP Literature and Composition is to help students develop accurate use of extensive vocabulary, variety in sentence structure, and effective rhetoric. In addition, they should learn to express complex ideas in a logical, coherent structure and to balance arguments with specific textual details.
Writing assignments will be part of each text-based unit of study. These will consist of extended essays as well as timed, in-class writing. In addition, students will prepare and deliver a poetry presentation.