SAT PREP CENTER
This course offers a rigorous preparation for college level writing and emulates a first-year college composition class by preparing students to “write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives” (College Board). Students will read and analyze a wide range of non-fiction texts—from newspaper editorials, to travel writing, to literary non-fiction, to biography, to sermons. Although most of the texts for the course are non-fiction, some works of fiction will be studied. In terms of reading, students will learn how to analyze and critique a wide range of non-fiction texts. Students will become familiar with the rhetorical strategies that make for effective, persuasive writing. Specific attention will be paid to the development and analysis of a written argument. Students will learn how to identify the elements of a strong argument and will grow to improve their own written arguments. Furthermore, in terms of writing, students will improve their mastery of standard written English and will grow in their ability to produce “analytic and argumentative compositions that introduce a complex idea and develop it” through the use of evidence. Students will continue to develop their ability to revise their own writing—improving upon its strengths and removing its weaknesses.
Over the course of the weeks we will fully review the AP English Language and Composition curriculum and exam. Students will review and practice skills of argumentation and rhetorical analysis and share best practices.
2018-2019 John S.
The AP English Literature and Composition course is designed with the goal of enhancing students’ abilities to explore, comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate complex literary texts. Upon completion of this course a student should be proficient in discussing literature of varied themes, historical contexts, and genres whether it be in an on-demand, timed writing prompt, an in-depth, scrutinized, and revised essay, or in class discussion.
Students entering this course must have the initial expectation that they will read, contemplate, and write about literature extensively. We will write an essay every couple weeks (in analytical, argumentative, and expositional forms) and will read every day (novels, creative nonfiction, short stories, and poems). They must be willing to challenge and justify their understandings, attempt to see other perspectives, and discuss in a mature and lively manner.
As this course also has the goal of preparing all students to pass the AP English Literature and composition exam, it operates in accordance with the information contained in the latest AP English Literature course description (which I ensure by reviewing it at least once per academic year). The course features practice for both free response and multiple choice portions of the test. We attempt to scaffold students’ on demand close reading and writing abilities by repeated practice, group scoring, feedback, and reflection on a variety of sample AP-styled questions and prompts.
Please note: Schedule is subject to change without notice. Please check online for updated information and details.