AP English Language and Composition

Course Catalog ID:

4030

Subject Categories:

AP Course, English Language Arts, Writing and Composition

Description

This course prepares students to take the AP English Language and Composition Exam with confidence. From the start of the school year, students will be guided and instructed in AP practice questions and essay-prompts provided by the College Board, and throughout the year students will receive instructor feedback on improving their performance for the exam. Students will read and discuss a range of non-fiction compositions which will serve as the basis for analyzing effective, powerful writing. Readings are drawn from a wide variety of genres and periods, from the Confessions of Augustine to editorials from the New York Times, from important historical texts – such as Winston Churchill’s Their Finest Hour speech and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail – to discussion of such topics as hip hop music, the social justice movement, and the purpose of education. Whether it be a twenty-first-century text debating the merits of environmentalism or articles proposing solutions to the high cost of college, all of the readings will occasion in-depth analysis of rhetorical methods, styles, and ways of presenting and organizing arguments. Students will receive ample opportunity to put what they learn from these great writers into practice in their own writing, all within the parameters of the AP requirements. Throughout the course we will also take deep dives into the anatomy of sentences and paragraphs, the stylistic implications of punctuation, the integration of evidence and sources, the use of sound logic in developing lines of reasoning – and much more – so that students are prepared to excel on the exam.

Notes and Requirements

Grade Levels^*:

11, 12, College (Dual Credit)

(* Determined by Date of Birth and declared Grad Year. Enrollment outside these grade levels requires written concurrence from TPS Support.)

Flexible Scheduling: This course may be taken with live class attendance reduced or waived (recording only) if the student has a time zone or schedule conflict. Select this option when you enroll or notify TPS for approval.
AP Exam Scores: For more information on TPS AP-certified courses and exam results, see this page.
Note: AP® is a trademark owned by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this course. This course syllabus has received College Board AP® review and approval.

Reviews from Students and Parents

“Analyzing rhetoric can appear daunting to many. But in this AP Language class, one learns to find key devices and strategies hidden away in pieces of rhetoric. In addition to this, students practice composing arguments with solid logic and defined lines of reasoning. All of these lessons are encapsulated inside a friendly and greatly humorous class environment, made complete by a teacher who is wholeheartedly willing to invest additional time and effort into the students by clarifying concepts or imparting extra useful knowledge.”

Daniel S

Student

“This course challenges you to be a better, more active writer. I learned that writing is more about cooperation than just your own voice. Even though this class wasn’t easy, I have emerged a more talented and open-minded writer. I would recommend this class to anyone who wants to have their talents put to the test and improve as both a writer and a reader.”

Owen P

Student

“In just two semesters I’ve seen myself grow so much in how effective I am at formulating a true argument. The teacher gives excellent and specific feedback and tips regarding how to improve upon a student’s writing, leading me personally to not only be better at how my arguments “sound,” but also in how I understand the art of rhetoric. Not only has my writing improved, but so has my speech and ability to think quickly. I’m a competitor in a national speech and debate league, and my understanding of argumentation, how to use pathos, ethos, and logos, has spilled over into my success in debate. Through AP Language, I’ve had the privilege of developing my skills so I can communicate better and be more confident in my articulation.”

Kaitlin L

Student

“This course changed the way I view writing and the power of words. The teacher chose a wonderful collection essays for us to read during the week, and our in-class discussions always provided a gateway to deeper conversations about literature, etymology, and even theology or philosophy. These energetic discussions and lectures always lifted my spirits about the difficult and demanding task of preparing for the AP exam. I can say, without a doubt, that this has been my favorite composition course out of the past four years of literature and writing courses at The Potter’s School. I would highly recommend this course to any ambitious students out there who want to transform their essays and writing strategies while exploring the diverse world of non-fiction.”

Natalie A

Student