Advanced Placement Language and Composition

  • AP Language and Composition

    Course Objectives:

    The purpose of this course is to help students “write effectively and confidently in
    their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives”
    (College Board, AP English Course Description, 2010, p. 7). The course is organized
    according to the requirements and guidelines of the current AP English Course
    Description, and, therefore, students are expected to read critically, think analytically,
    and communicate clearly both in writing and speech.


    Students will take the AP Exam in English Language and Composition on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

    AP courses are modeled after comparable college courses. The AP English Language and Composition is a rigorous course and is reading and writing intensive.

    Students will need to pass the AP Language and Composition class in order to earn the 4th English credit needed for graduation. Students who fail the AP course will need to attend summer school to obtain an English IV credit.

    Students will be responsible for all in-class assignments, weekly quizzes, weekly written responses, the weekly non-fiction/student-found selection, as well as, independent reading and the corresponding journal entries.

    Students will be required to read FOUR non-fiction books independently- one book per quarter. Students must secure these books on their own (purchase, borrow, download).


    Grading will be as follows:

    Weekly written response/essay

    30%

    Independent Reading Journals

    25%

    Weekly Non-fiction/student-found selection

    20%

    Weekly Quizzes

    15%

    Class Participation (prepared for class daily, participates in class discussions, assignments handed in on time, attendance, attitude)

    10%

    Supplies Needed: Cell Phones with dictionary app OR small dictionary, notebook for independent reading journals (Composition notebook would work), three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper for class notes and handouts,  index cards, blue or black ink pens, pencils, highlighters (any colors), college-ruled loose-leaf paper, and independent reading books. All supplies should be readily available on September 8th.

    Students should choose their first independent reading book and have that book in their possession by September 14th.