AP English Language and Composition

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AP English Languageand Composition

• An Overview of the Course

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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.

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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 writingrather than
on literature.
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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?)
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Besides 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.
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The Units of the Course

• An Introduction to Rhetoric
• Everythings an Argument
• The Synthesis Essay
• Preparation for the AP Exam

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The Works to be Studied

• Much of your reading will be expository writings.
• The Prentice-Hall Reader (a collection of essays)
• Compact Reader
• The fictional works to be covered in class
• The Scarlet Letter
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (sort of)
• The Great Gatsby
• Their Eyes Were Watching God

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Workload Expectations for the Class

• 10-15 AP Style timed writings (20-40 minutes
  each)
• 3-4 multi-draft essays (including the synthesis
  essay)
• 5-7 expressive writings allowing you to
  practice various styles of writing
• 3-4 major literary works to read/analyze

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Workload Expectations for the Class (continued)

• 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
• A Possible Literary Project

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The AP English Language and Composition Exam

• The Exam will be administered on May 16th.
• The Exam is three hours in length
• --60 minutes for the multiple choice section (to
  test the students skills in analyzing the
  rhetoric of prose passages)
• --120 minutes for three essay questions

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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
• --prose analysis
• -- write an argument
• --the synthesis essay
• (But there are no guarantees!!)

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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.

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Brunks Real Goals

• 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 help you learn more about yourself as a
  writer, a speaker, a student, and an individual