AP Language & Composition / College Writing 101*

*(UMaine dual-enrollment option)

Course Description: The AP English Language and Composition course is designed to develop students’ communication and critical thinking skills. The course focuses on evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. It aims to teach students to read primary and secondary sources carefully, to synthesize materials from these texts in their own compositions, and to cite sources using recommended conventions. Additionally, students read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts from a range of disciplines and historical periods. [Adapted from the AP College Board Course description.] The course is writing heavy, with the goal of helping students build confidence and skill with the written word. Simultaneously, students may earn college credit through the UMaine dual-enrollment program if they choose to do so.

This is a college-level course. The workload and content are chosen accordingly. If students and/or parent/guardians have questions or concerns about either the workload or the content, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Marshall. For families, email usually works best. For students, please see Ms. M during WIN or make arrangements to meet during Tutorial or after school.

Get ready to do a lot of reading! Here's Ms. Marshall's dog, who loves reading outside.

Essential Questions

What is rhetoric and why is it worth studying?
How does a writer make effective rhetorical choices based on the context and audience?
What makes an argument effective or ineffective?
What does an author’s style reveal about their purpose?
How can student writers effectively use rhetorical devices, control tone, establish and maintain voice, and achieve appropriate emphasis through choices about diction and sentence structure?
How do writers move efficiently through the stages of the writing process, with careful attention to inquiry and research, drafting, revising, editing, and review?

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Course Enduring Understandings

*Please click here to explore the AP College Board’s in-depth course description, standards, FAQs, and lots of extra resources for students and families.

Writing multiple drafts and revising is key to this course.

For longer writing assignments, if students receive a grade they're not satisfied with, they can revise for an improved grade, as long as it is submitted before the date for the quarter above. Here's how:

Schedule a conference with Ms. Marshall to go over the writing together and come up with a game plan. Either ask to be tagged for WIN or find a time to meet during Tutorial or after school
Revise the assignment after getting guidance from the teacher.

Lastly, write a brief reflection on what you are taking away from the process and/or update your writing goal.

Resources

If students ever need or want help outside of class, they should see Ms. Marshall during the WIN or Tutorial or after school.

Email her anytime.