Questions? Please contact Ms. Rodriguez: [email protected] or Mrs. Perluss: [email protected] Course Overview: The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods. Fiction Reading List: (chosen from the frequently used novels list published by College Board)  The Scarlet Letter  The Awakening  The Great Gatsby  The Things They Carried  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn  The Crucible  The Catcher in the Rye

Modes of the Month:  Transcendentalism  Alienation/Isolation  Group Think/Mob Mentality  Satire/Thoughtful Humor  Rhetoric & Argument  Rhetorical Analysis  Physical & Emotional Burdens  Fear & Shame as Motivation  PTSD  Guilt & Shame  Moral Ambiguity  Search for Truth  Synthesis

AP Exam Information:  Part I –four or five reading passages with a total of 50-60 MC questions – 45% of test score 

Part II –three essays to write: one rhetorical analysis, one synthesis analysis, and one argumentative question – 55% of test score

Assignments & Workload: (the average amount of homework per week is 2-3 hours)  Composing in several forms about a variety of subjects  Writing that proceeds through several stages or drafts, with revision aided by teacher and peers  Writing informally, which helps students become aware of themselves as writers and the techniques employed by other writers  Writing expository, analytical, and argumentative compositions based on readings representing a variety of prose styles and genres  Reading nonfiction selected to give students opportunities to identify and explain an author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques  Analyzing graphics and visual images both in relation to written texts and as alternative forms of text themselves  Developing research skills and the ability to evaluate, use, and cite primary and secondary sources  Conducting research and writing argument papers in which students present an argument of their own that includes the analysis and synthesis of ideas from an array of sources  Citing sources using a recognized editorial style  Revising their work to develop a wide-range vocabulary, variety of sentence structures, logical organization, balance of generalization and specific, illustrative detail, and effective use of rhetoric Expectations:  It is recommended that each student has completed English Lit/Comp 2 with an A or English Lit/Comp 2 Honors with an A or B  A large portion of the work completed in this class is submitted through turnitin.com, access to internet and a computer is strongly recommended  Time management is key to success in this class. All lesson plans, due dates, and assignments are published no later than a week ahead of time. Completing these assignments in a timely manner is up to the student.

What students had to say… “The best part about the class are the projects because they require creativity and it's not just a bland project you might get in some other class.” “I enjoy English overall and wanted to challenge myself with an AP class. The class helped me improve my time management skills and helped me step out of my comfort zone on speaking to an audience.” “I'm glad I took this class since we actually have discussions about real time events, unlike regular English.” “It challenges me to think critically and apply myself in different ways.” “I've learned how to become a better writer and I've had the opportunity to read a few classic novels that I've learned to enjoy.” “I wanted to have a challenge when it came to enrolling in English.” “Collaborating with different people, which made me break out of my comfort zone” “The best part about AP English has been meeting so many intellectual peers.” “It feels more like a college class than any English class I've had before which allows me to be prepared. Also the class really feels like it's preparing me for the AP test in every activity that we do in class.” “It has pushed me to do better and I have learned how to better my writing which affects my other classes in a great way.” “The best part of the class is the ability to now have a deep conversations and to analyze topics on an extremely deep level.” “The best part is being able to read an eclectic mix of stories and books you wouldn't be exposed to in a regular English class.” “The best part was seeing my writing improve and my confidence in analysis increase. I've learned to analyze and comprehend literature deeper.” “I am very glad I am in this class because I believe it enhances my literary skills. I also enjoy the environment the class gives as I believe I have a chance to discuss with my classmates with our ideas and get to know them better. It is also a rigorous class, however I believe it pushes me to work even harder.” “I'm glad I enrolled because I've been in English honors for a majority of my education so I wanted to test my abilities and strengths to see if I could be successful in an AP class. I have learned and grown very much during my time in AP language.” “I have been able to see a noticeable improvement in my writing, which has helped me in different aspects of school and life. Discussions and the literature we read have allowed me to think beyond the small scope I usually live in.” “I have learned to write in depth essays that focuses on rhetoric and argument rather than just summary.”