AP English Language and Composition is designed to teach the skills you will need to succeed in a college level writing course and will follow the course requirements described in the AP Language and Composition Course Description published by the College Board. We will work together to discuss and critically analyze writing as well as develop your ability to craft an argument, synthesize sources, and conduct research at an advanced level. We will also cultivate media literacy by studying the rhetoric of visual media through art, photos, commercials (print and video), documentary films, and political cartoons. In conjunction with the College Board’s AP English Course Description, our course teaches “students to read primary and secondary sources carefully, to synthesize material from these texts in their own compositions, and to cite sources using conventions recommended by professional organizations such as the Modern Language Association (MLA).”  This course focuses on non-fiction and the art of the argument which will be especially helpful for students pursuing careers in the business or science world.  It will also prepare students for the writing of arguments in AP Literature and Composition in their senior year if they wish to obtain those college credits as well.

 

This course is organized both chronologically and thematically as students will be reading primarily non-fiction works, as well as fiction and poetry from American Literature in an effort to understand how history relates thematically to the world in which we live. We will examine works for author voice and credibility as well as gain expertise in evaluating point of view, argument and rhetoric.


Students will be expected to read and write daily, participating in peer review groups and individual writing conferences during the writing process (drafting, editing, and revision). Students will also complete a yearlong research project, resulting in a 15-20 page paper and presentation to be scheduled at the end of the year.

 

As this is a college level course, you should be proficient and motivated writers. The workload of this course is both challenging and places a high level of expectation on you with regard to performance. Due to the nature of this course and many of the projects and assigned readings, organizing your time is imperative.  Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.