AP Language and Composition
2015-2016
Mr. Loun
AP Language and Composition
for readers and writers and lovers of language
Human
SYLLABICATION:
PRONUNCIATION:
NOUN:
ADJECTIVE:
ETYMOLOGY:
hu·man
hy
m n
1. A member of the genus Homo and especially of the species H. sapiens. 2. A
person: the extraordinary humans who explored Antarctica.
1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of humans: the course of human events; the
human race. 2. Having or showing those positive aspects of nature and character
regarded as distinguishing humans from other animals: an act of human
kindness. 3. Subject to or indicative of the weaknesses, imperfections, and
fragility associated with humans: a mistake that shows he's only human; human
frailty. 4. Made up of humans: formed a human bridge across the ice.
Middle English humain, from Old French, from Latin h m nus. See dhghem(earth in Old English, gama in Germanic) in Appendix I.
Most words for “human” (or “man,” as sexist as that may be) in most languages are derived from
the word “earth,” including English. A derivative of the word “human” is “humility:” a word
defined as “a clear recognition of who and what we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to
become all we could be.” So, now that you have some background information (if you didn’t
know already), the question we will be exploring this year is,
What connects us (you and me and everyone else) as humans?
It will be the theme for this class; keep the similarities in mind when reading your assignments
and when preparing for your quizzes (hint hint). Speaking of assignments, here are the texts you
have already read and the ones you will be reading this year:
What you read over the summer:
One Writer’s Beginnings Eudora Welty
Elements of Style Strunk and White
Selected book from summer reading list
Major texts you will have read by the end of the year:
The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway
Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller
In Cold Blood Truman Capote
The Tempest William Shakespeare
The Things They Carried Tim O’Brien
Hunger of Memory Richard Rodriguez
Macbeth William Shakespeare
The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne
Brave New World Aldous Huxley
Pygmalion George Bernard Shaw
The Classroom Text: The Blair Reader:
In this class, major texts will be supplemented by many different kinds of texts, including
but not limited to all of the following:
AP Language and Composition
2015-2016
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Mr. Loun
Essay (analytical, persuasive, informative, travel, naturalist, commentary)
Personal Narrative, Memoir, Autobiography
Speech (17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st Century)
Letter (17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st Century)
Bible Story, Bible Quotation
Textbook (including science, history, math…)
Passage from Shakespeare
Newspaper Article
Novel, Short Story
List of Facts
Quotation
Play
Artwork
Editorial
Film
Words and Terms you must be familiar with:
ACTIONS
Defend
Support
Refute
Challenge
Qualify
Analyze
Synthesize
Develop
Evaluate
Assume
Propose
Juxtapose
Manipulate
Employ
Promote
Explore
Consider
Convey
Assert
Argue
Assess
Criticize
Paraphrase
Recognize
Persuade
Identify
STRATEGIES
Biblical Allusion
Logical Argument
Rhetorical Devices
Rhetorical Strategy
Use of Appeals
Methods of Persuasion
Aspects of Style
Detail Manipulation
Rhetorical Structure
Reasoned Essay
METHODS OF
ARGUMENT
Toulmin Model
Aristotelian Appeals
Yes/No, But…
*Plus all of those poetic devices you have been studying since the dawn of time…yes, I do mean all of them
Other themes for this class:
Keep these in mind as you move through the year
1. Language as it characterizes its user
2. Language and its power to persuade
Tips for Success in this Class:
 Keep up
 If you have a question, ask (in fact, question everything!). My hope is that you will transition
from having to know all the answers to loving the questions….
 If you are having trouble or need clarification, come talk to me
 If you want to talk about ideas or need extra practice, come talk to me
 All of the above points will improve your ability to think critically; in other words, to think
for yourself!
“To the uneducated, an A is just three sticks” -- Eeyore
AP Language and Composition
2015-2016
Mr. Loun
The Syllabus Starts Here
You are what you read. What you read influences what and how you write. All texts read in this
class are meant for close reading and explication by students and as models of the use of language
and rhetoric. The selections are expected to influence in some way student writing and analysis.
NOTE: Authors listed do not represent the end all and be all of works chosen by your teacher
(me). They may be changed at a moment’s notice.
Semester One – Welcome to kindergarten…where you learn to stretch
your limbs and stand up!
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The elements of argument and their application to the text – SOAPS; yes/ no, but;
Toulmin Model; Aristotelian Appeals
The importance of our words and how we use them: Diction, Syntax, Style, and Rhetoric
– and don’t forget Voice and Memory.
Analysis of audience and rhetorical strategies
Speaker vs. Author
The In-Class AP Exam – Essay and Multiple Choice
Major texts we will be reading first semester include:
Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway
The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller
The Tempest William Shakespeare
Pygmalion George Bernard Shaw
Mid-Term Exam
Semester Two – I’m all grown up, Ma! Or are you? Don’t worry: this
feeling will pass.
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The finer points of style and argument
Finding your own voice – if you haven’t already found it…
Irony and Satire – the argument behind the humor
More on the AP Exam – Essay and Multiple Choice
Major texts we will be reading second semester include:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain
Macbeth William Shakespeare
The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne
In Cold Blood Truman Capote
The Things They Carried Tim O’Brien
Brave New World Aldous Huxley
No Exit Jean Paul Sartre
Classroom Rules and Expectations
“Things do not change, we change” – Henry David Thoreau
AP Language and Composition
2015-2016
Mr. Loun
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Work will not be accepted after the stated deadline. The world “out there” does not tolerate
tardiness and neither do I. Moral: turn in work on time or your grade will suffer.
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Coursework due on a day you are absent will be due on the day you return. It is your
responsibility to immediately check the missed assignments notebook on the day that you
return to class. Extra days will not be added for long-term assignments, since those due dates are
announced in advance, except in the case of extended absences for which teacher approval is given
for an extension. In addition, the deadline for all make-up quizzes in which you have an
excused absence is no later than three days after you return to school.
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Because of the rigorous nature of this class, and because of our dependence on classroom
discussion for understanding, all reading must be done on time. You are welcome to get started
early on your reading, as all major texts have been indicated on this syllabus.
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It is recommended that you purchase your own copies of all texts read in class, especially those
read this summer. Although purchasing your own books is not required, students who have
personal copies of texts are able to annotate directly on the page in the book and thus they already
have an advantage. Check used bookstores and college bookstores to find less expensive used
copies of books. All required reading will also be available to check out from your teacher.
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Come to class on time. With so much to read and write this year, it is important that we use all of
our time wisely. Do not make the class wait on you.
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Be ready to speak. A large part of understanding and analyzing text is classroom discussion. You
will be expected to participate in classroom discussion as well as in group discussion daily. You
will also be expected to participate in “bump” reading as the occasion requires. Don’t be afraid to
share your experience, strengths, and understanding (or lack thereof). It’s safe in here. Remember,
FEAR stands for “False Evidence Appearing Real.”
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Finally, show respect to your fellow classmates and do not talk over each other (or me, for that
matter!).
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Paper – EVERY DAY
Pencils (with eraser) AND pens (blue or black)
Sticky notes of many sizes
Good paperback dictionary (NOT a pocket dictionary, they are abridged) – American Heritage,
Merriam-Webster, Oxford
Elements of Style Strunk and White
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Tools for Success
“Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”