AP English Language and Composition
Ms. Burgoyne
aburgoyne-black@westfieldnjk12.org
Room 230
Course Description
Advanced Placement Language and Composition demands rigorous academic standards, sophisticated analytical and critical thinking, and articulate written and oral expression. Implicit in the AP program is the expectation of maturity for independent scholarship and intelligent interaction in a seminar setting. The primary goal of AP Language and Composition is increased awareness of the relationship among language, meaning, and purpose.
As in the college course for which this AP course is a substitute, its purpose is to enable students to read complex texts written in a variety of periods, disciplines and rhetorical contexts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity in order to communicate effectively with mature writers. Through their reading and writing, students are aware of the interactions amongst a writer’s purpose, audience expectations and subjects as well as the way conventions and resources contribute to effective writing.
This course is recommended for students who can read and write college level material. These students should be committed to the study of rhetoric and seek to develop their skills in this area. Relative to the course expectations, students should be able to achieve the following: read more extensively; study and discuss language in greater depth; write more comprehensive, critical and varied compositions; complete more independent reading and analysis; and experiment with more sophisticated elements of style and voice. Upon completion of this course, students should plan to take the Advanced Placement Exam; however, you must register for the exam this fall. If you are uncertain about your decision, I am here as a sounding board.
Course Overview
Language is a way in. Like music or mathematics, language gives access to the core question: What does it mean to be human? At a certain level, language permits us the very tools for considering, period; nouns are names, handles for concrete entities and abstract concepts alike. Our capacity to process and master language is part of what distinguishes homo sapiens. The stakes are high: to the extent that our most powerful language gives expression to crises of existence, we will necessarily dwell some in the depths this year. Get ready to think, to listen, to speak.
We experience a wide range of language—from Bruce Springsteen songs to Hallmark cards; from bumper stickers, Twitter posts and take-out menus to gossip, prayers and table talk; from drama and films to editorials and cartoons; from short stories and essays to novels and websites. Consistent discussion, presentations, speeches, and Student-selected Fab Friday Language presentations ensure that a chorus of voices is heard each week. And we write as wide a range: compositions for the course span the breezy online post and the research-based argumentative essay.
Rhetoric—for us, the persuasive potential of language—will play a significant role in our forays into argumentation, essay writing, oratory, and advertising. Class discussions explore the implications of how we manipulate as well as succumb to language. Our study of informal reasoning (a.k.a. argumentation) seeks to make better citizens of all of us through studying the conventions of language by which controversies may be rigorously, reasonably, and respectfully resolved.
The workload and expectations for this year-long course compare to those for a semester of introductory English at the university level. Because I am familiar with the demands of senior year, including the pressure of the college application process, I seek to honor your time by assigning only the most worthwhile challenges in writing and reading. In return, please commit your best ideas to papers and discussions in class and online.
Semester Framework:
Semester 1: Rhetoric, Effective Argumentation, and Memoir (with a focus on Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers) and Elie Wiesel’s Night)
Semester 2: Research and Synthesis Essays, Visual & Spoken Arguments, Reading & Rhetorical Analysis, Documentary, AP Final Exam Prep, Senior Project
FAB Fridays…
During the 2nd marking period,, we will commence with Fab Fridays, days in which partnered students will select a rhetorical focus and conduct a lesson for the class. Some effective topics explored by past Lang-ers are specific slices of: campaign speeches, advertisements, art, college marketing, geography and dialect, etc. The possibilities are vast. Topic must be approved by the instructor; additionally students must meet with me to prepare the lesson and review accompanying materials. Lessons may not be shared, borrowed, or taken from any other AP Lang student, including those in other classes; like your ideas, your presentation should be authentic.
Your Eagle Eye…
PLEASE bring to class articles of interest, as you sharpen your “voice” radar, I would love to see the pieces that are striking you. This course can take a turn in a new direction as we find up-to-the-minute, recently published materials of relevance. While we do have a framework for the year, I would like us to keep an open mind about relevant texts and topics for consideration.
Google Classroom: Our primary form of communication outside of class will be Google Classroom. Homework and major assignments as well as handouts and links will be posted there so you may keep up with work should you miss class or misplace materials.
Website: Our class calendar will be posted on my website. Both you and your parents have access to this.
Make-up Work:
In the event that you miss a day of school, you are expected to discover what you missed from a friend in class or email me IN ADVANCE; you should also consult our class page on my website in order to get the homework for that night.
Deadlines and Late Work:
Homework assignments will be posted on Google Classroom and explained in class. All homework assignments must be submitted before class (if turned in through Google Classroom) or at the beginning of class (if submitted by hand) in order to receive full credit.
Work submitted late will have a late penalty attached to it. However, it is always better to get the work in late than never! Extenuating circumstances, such as illness or an unexpected serious event or experience, do occur, however, and you should feel free to talk to me about it. If you know in advance that you will not be able to make a deadline, you should speak with me in advance about the possibility of an extension, which is up to each instructor’s discretion. Last-minute extension requests (i.e. emailing me at 11:30 the night before a paper is due after knowing about it for a week) are not entertained.
Genesis Portal and Grading Policy:
Your grade for each marking period will consist of homework checks, quizzes, in-class writing tests, take-home essays, projects, and class participation. The full year grade is calculated according to the following: 20% per marking period, 10% midterm exam, 10% senior project presentation (in lieu of final exam).
The portal will be updated periodically. In addition, the conversation between instructor and student regarding assessments and your commitment to reviewing feedback and rubrics are most valuable as you look to develop yourself as a reader, writer, thinker, communicator, and human being.
Office Hours:
I will be available in room 230 during the last 25 minutes of the lunch/office hours block on B, C, and D Days.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism in any form - including copying from peers or from the internet or using AI inappropriately - will result in a zero for the assignment.