Literature & Composition
Course Description
The AP English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.
The course is designed to help students become skilled readers and writers through engagement with the following course requirements:
• Reading complex imaginative literature (fiction, drama, and poetry) appropriate for college-level study
• Writing an interpretation of a piece of literature that is based on a careful observation of textual details, considering the work’s structure, style, and themes; the social and historical values it reflects and embodies; and such elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone
• Composing in several forms (e.g., narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative essays) based on students’ analyses of literary texts
• Writing that proceeds through several stages or drafts, with revision aided by teacher and peers
• Writing informally (e.g., response journals, textual annotations, collaborative writing), which helps students better understand the texts they are reading
• Revising their work to develop
o A wide-ranging vocabulary used appropriately and effectively;
o A variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of subordination and coordination;
o Logical organization, enhanced by techniques such as repetition, transitions, and emphasis;
o A balance of generalization and specific, illustrative detail; and
o An effective use of rhetoric, including tone, voice, diction, and sentence structure.
What are the prerequisites for the course?
Completion of AP Language and Composition highly recommended; otherwise, English 3 Honors with teacher approval
How is the class scheduled?
AP Lit is a 90 minute, 180 day course. The first semester students receive credit for Advanced Composition Honors and in the second semester credit is earned for AP Lit. In the upcoming school year, AP Lit will be 2nd block the entire school year. This is a SENIOR level course.
What is the class like?
In class, students begin the period with poetic and literary analysis. This is followed by individual reading checks which may be discussion, essay or quiz based. Collaborative group work is often a key part of the day with students discussing literary works and completing activities together. The period ends with whole-class sharing of the group work outcomes and a writing activity. The is a writing intensive course with students completing 15-20 pieces each month. The daily class lessons center around working collaboratively so students must be able to work efficiently and productively with others. This means that being well prepared is essential to success. In addition to reading 3-4 novels outside of class each grading period, students should expect to spend 45-60 minutes per night on homework in order to be prepared for the next day.