AP English Language and Composition (Period 1)

As a junior level course, we study mostly American writers, speakers and leaders, but there will be supplemented material from around the world.  This is a rigorous course that gives students ample opportunities to examine a writer’s purpose in accordance with the writer’s use of rhetorical devices, including tone, diction, audience, organization, appeal, style, and attitude. The course teaches students how to read and evaluate primary and secondary sources in order to incorporate them into an original composition. This course also requires students to write (formally and informally) synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument essays in response to a variety of prose and genres. They will learn how to link technique and meaning into well-organized, supported, logical responses to complex texts (primarily nonfiction). You will also read four books outside of class. Though more will be covered over the course of the year, the following essential standards/skills are what every student must master in order to be considered minimally proficient in this course:

Students will be able to…

1. Write arguments, using suitable approach and appropriate evidence, to support claims regarding topics or texts (a-f).
2. Cite strong and thorough evidence from the text that supports explicit and inferred analysis.
3. Direct and drive a conversation by posing and responding to questions that probe ways of thinking and gathering evidence, prove and challenge ideas and conclusions, and promote a variety of perspectives.
4. Understand the author’s point of view and purpose and analyze how the style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness and/or beauty of text.
5. Conduct a short, as well as sustained, research project that answers specific questions or solves problems; broaden or narrow search when appropriate; integrate information from multiple sources demonstrating understanding.
6. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning and/or use of evidence and/or language.