Welcome to AP Language and Literature

August, 2010

Dear AP English Literature and Composition students and parents:

Welcome back to school and welcome to AP Literature and Composition. This class is taught on a college level by two teachers who will work together to ensure that all our students will receive the same curriculum. Although we have a basic outline for the year ahead, we often change our minds about content. Therefore, rather than providing you with a specific syllabus, we want you to know that we strictly adhere to the AP College Board approved standards that prepare students to excel on the AP test and in college level course. AP English Literature and Composition is not a survey class; rather, it is a skills class in which students learn to write essays based on literature. All year long we will write essays while reading poetry, prose and major works. We are always reading and writing

The grading system for AP students takes the rigor of the course into consideration. Students will receive an extra point on their GPA for an AP class, i.e. an A=5 points, B=4 points, etc. The grading scale is based on 100 points—45% essay; 20% poetry homework (SPOTTTS), 20% prose homework (dialectical journals) and 15% P&P (preparation and participation). Parents can always access their child’s grade via the internet. However, it sometimes takes a while for the system to catch up. This class is geared to students who want a challenge and are prepared to work.

Most AP students purchase the novels we read for class because we encourage our students to practice their annotation skills when reading their books. However, students can always check out copies from the library. First quarter students will discuss their summer reading, Ethan Frome. Then we will read the following books in the order listed throughout the year:
October: The Scarlet Letter
November: The Merchant of Venice and a book of their choice from the AP list
December: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Namesake, Kite Runner, The Things They Carried, or the Great Gatsby (chose one)
January: Othello and a book of their choice from the AP list
February: Jane Eyre
March: The Heart of Darkness
April: Brave New World
May: The Crucible (in class no outside text required)

Finally, AP students have an opportunity to earn college credit if they qualify on the national exam which is given in May. The cost is around $86. We expect our students to take this exam. There is some financial aid available which will be explained later in the year. We look forward to a busy and productive year.

Sincerely,



Anna Taylor