AP English Language and Composition An Overview of the Course

The College Board Definition An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes.

This class is basically a writing class. In fact, it is structured to be (and in some cases, take the place of) a college Freshmen composition course. So the emphasis is on writing and understanding what makes good writing rather than on literature.

In a standard English Literature class, you read to discover the meanings the writer creates with his written work. (In other words, What does the writer say?) In this class, you will be reading to discover how the writer uses his written word to create the meaning. (In other words, How does the writer say it? What techniques does he use? And what is the effect?)

Besides the reading, you will be writing. A lot of writing. This course is structured to give you a chance to write analytical, expository, and argumentative essays. You will be given the opportunity to write both formal and informal essays. As you read and analyze other writers techniques and styles, my hidden goal is that you discover your own writing VOICE.

The Units of the Course An Introduction to Rhetoric An Introduction to Rhetoric Everythings an Argument Everythings an Argument The Synthesis Essay The Synthesis Essay Preparation for the AP Exam Preparation for the AP Exam

The Works to be Studied Much of your reading will be expository writings. The Prentice-Hall Reader (a collection of essays) The Prentice-Hall Reader (a collection of essays) Compact Reader Compact Reader (This is not a literature class!!) The fictional works to be covered in class: Their Eyes Were Watching God Their Eyes Were Watching God The Scarlet Letter (maybe) The Scarlet Letter (maybe)

Workload Expectations for the Class AP Style timed writings (20-40 minutes each) AP Style timed writings (20-40 minutes each) 3-4 multi-draft essays (including the synthesis essay) 3-4 multi-draft essays (including the synthesis essay) 5-7 expressive writings – allowing you to practice varies styles of writing 5-7 expressive writings – allowing you to practice varies styles of writing 3-4 major literary works to read/analyze 3-4 major literary works to read/analyze

Workload Expectations for the Class (continued) You will be reading several essays and analyzing the rhetorical strategies used by the authors You will be reading several essays and analyzing the rhetorical strategies used by the authors 1 Major Project at the end of the term: The Three Guidelines for Your Life 1 Major Project at the end of the term: The Three Guidelines for Your Life A Possible Literary Project A Possible Literary Project

The AP English Language and Composition Exam The Exam will be administered on May 13 th. The Exam will be administered on May 13 th. The is three hours in length The is three hours in length --60 minutes for the multiple choice section (to test the students skills in analyzing the rhetoric of prose passages minutes for three essay questions (plus 15 minutes to do the reading for the synthesis essay)

The Essay Portion Each year, the AP English Language exam includes three essay prompts. The types of prompts vary from year to year. Typically, the prompts consist of: Each year, the AP English Language exam includes three essay prompts. The types of prompts vary from year to year. Typically, the prompts consist of: --prose analysis -- write an argument --the synthesis essay (But there are no guarantees!!)

Brunks Goal Prepare you for the exam by providing test taking techniques, equipping you with the rhetorical vocabulary and the understanding of how to use those devices, completing several practice exams, and giving you the chance to write. Prepare you for the exam by providing test taking techniques, equipping you with the rhetorical vocabulary and the understanding of how to use those devices, completing several practice exams, and giving you the chance to write.

Brunks Real Goals To allow you the opportunity to find your voice both in writing and in speaking To allow you the opportunity to find your voice both in writing and in speaking To experience writing and reading in a whole new way!! To experience writing and reading in a whole new way!! To help you learn more about yourself as a writer, a speaker, a student, and an individual To help you learn more about yourself as a writer, a speaker, a student, and an individual