Reading:

The course will include intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods,
concentrating on works of “recognized literary merit” according to the standards set forth by the
Advanced Placement Program, Princeton, NJ.  Students will read works from several genres and
periods from the ancient Greeks to contemporary literature.  Students are expected to read
deliberately and thoroughly, taking time to understand a work's complexity, to absorb its richness
of meaning, and to analyze how that meaning is embodied in literary form.   Summer reading and
literature of merit from past English courses are all important additions to a student's
“repertoire”,  and students are expected to draw upon past reading experiences for points of
comparison/contrast and developments of literary trends.  Reading assignments will be intensive at
times, but students are expected to complete the assignments on time.
 

Writing:

Writing is an integral part of the AP English Literature and Composition Course because the AP
Examination is weighted toward student writing about literature.  Writing assignments will focus
on the critical analysis of literature and will include expository, analytical, and argumentative
essays.  The goal will be to increase students’ ability to explain clearly, precisely and vividly what
they understand about literary works and why they interpret them as they do.  Grading will be
according to the rubric set forth by the Advanced Placement Program, Princeton, NJ.

Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on helping students develop stylistic maturity,
which, for AP English, is characterized by the following:
 

• a balance of generalization with specific illustrative detail;

• a logical organization, enhanced by specific techniques of coherence such as repetition,

• a variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of  subordinate and coordinate constructions;

• a wide-ranging vocabulary used with denotative accuracy and connotative resourcefulness;

• effective use of rhetoric, including controlling tone, maintaining a consistent voice, and achieving  emphasis through parallelism.

*adapted and condensed from “AP English Literature”,  Advanced Placement Program, Educational Testing Services, Princeton, NJ.

 [Main]  [Advanced Placement]  [Summer Reading][Levels of Analysis]  [Writing College Essays] [Texts]