A.P. Senior English, Level I
AP
Literature and Composition (Level 1)
2683
Prerequisites:
Freshman, Sophomore and Junior English.
See also “Leveling Criteria,” page 2
of course of studies.
This is a college level course open to seniors with a strong interest in
English.
The
course starts with two major summer reading and writing requirements. The
first asks students to read a literary pairing, Hamlet and Crime and
Punishment for example, and to write multiple notebook entries in which
students reflect on themes and ideas. The purpose in reading this kind of
sequence is to give students an experience that models the kind of thematic work
that we will do all year.
The
course will be centered on an overarching theme, which becomes the name of the
course. Art or War and Blindness and Vision are two examples. The
major works each address the overarching theme of the course, adding some
nuance, layer, or level of complexity to our understanding of that theme.
Writing
is central to the class. Students practice many kinds of focused
analytical writing, ranging from informal to formal. Many of these are
full, formal, text-based analytical essays. Students also complete a
number of timed writings. In addition to the formal analytical pieces of
writing, students complete a number of personal essays and original poems.
Ultimately, students should focus on voice and come to think of themselves as
practitioners of a craft who make conscious, deliberate choices.
Students
should expect to do 40-60 minutes of homework most nights, and more on the week
an essay is due. Being highly prepared for class is crucial; discussion
will depend on students having completed with skill and thought the reading and
writing assignments for that day.
There
are a number of long-term and ongoing assignments, so strong organization and
advanced planning is a key to success. Collaborative projects are another
steady component to the class, so the ability to work well with a group is
crucial.
Teachers: