COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course requires students to read for both meaning and pleasure as they critically examine world
literature of a variety of genres, authors, and time periods, and to increase their understanding of the world around them and their
place in it through these texts.
COURSE ORGANIZATION: The course is organized by thematic topics, such as “Where Do Monsters Lurk?” or “Chasing
Freedom.” Within each topic, readings are organized by the big ideas in the College Board’s AP English Literature Course and
Exam Description. Collectively, the topics, readings, and assignments engage students in each of the big ideas throughout the
course. Each thematic grouping incorporates longer works of fiction, short fiction, poetry, multiple-choice practice, and
opportunities for both formal and informal writing and discussion. The course also integrates components of personalized learning.
Therefore, the course reflects “1) voice, 2) co-creation using ‘backward design principles,’ 3) social construction, and 4)
self-discovery” (Kallick and Zmuda).
TEXTS & INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Success in this course requires that students read all assignments closely and
critically, i.e., not just “passing the words before one’s eyes,” and in a timely fashion. Be aware that much of the reading is
somewhat dense and will require rereading. Poetry can be deceptive, for “short” does not mean “easy.” Poems must be read more
than once and reflected upon before coming to class. This makes good planning imperative on the student’s part as he/she is most
likely enrolled in more than one AP class and must balance extracurricular activities.
For some units, students will select their own novels or plays from a choice of three or four for reading circle discussion, group
work, and some assessments. Small groups may suggest other texts of comparable complexity, structure, and style. Students are
encouraged to purchase the Norton Critical Edition of choice texts if they are available. Students will analyze excerpted short
fiction passages from the primary texts, short stories, or past AP English Literature short fiction prompts. Students will analyze
poetry from a range of literary periods; some of these poems will be taken from past AP English Literature poetry prompts. Also,
students are encouraged to independently expose themselves to a range of classical and contemporary poetry through
“Poem-A-Day” curated by the Academy of American Poets.
Even with such freedom of choice, students or parents may find that texts are controversial from specific cultural or political
viewpoints, “including depictions of nationalities, religions, ethnicities, dialects, gender, or class” (CED 117). According to the
College Board, “AP students are not expected or asked to subscribe to any one specific set of cultural or political values, but are
expected to have the maturity to analyze perspectives different from their own and to question the meaning, purpose or effect of
such content within the literary work as a whole” (CED 117). Readings or discussions in class concerning controversial topics are
sensitively handled and restricted to appropriate academic discussions.
In addition, the study of literature is the study of humanity. As such, issues/conflicts/themes will arise that are mature in nature,
including sex, violence, death, etc. Students are expected to participate in conversations surrounding these topics with maturity and
sensitivity. If parents or students have grave concerns about this, re-think participation in the AP Literature course. Literature, by
its very nature, seeks to understand the more complex parts of our humanity, and those parts often include “adult” topics. Parents
are encouraged to contact the teacher with any concerns.
Primary Texts: For most units, students will select from novels or plays