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AP English Literature and Composition Syllabus
2014-2015
Ms. A. Griffin
Room F123
“It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the
strongest might weaken, and the wisest might err.”
MOHANDAS K. GANDHI
AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION EXAM IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2014.
THE COST IS $91. YOU MAY MAKE SEVERAL SMALL PAYMENTS TO
MS. CHANEY IN THE COUNSELOR’S SUITE. ALSO, ASK HER ABOUT FEE
REDUCTIONS. ALL AP STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO SIT FOR THE EXAM.
Course Philosophy:
An AP literature course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of
imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students should
deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning
and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style,
and themes, as well as use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone.
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
 Write an interpretation of a piece of literature that is based on careful
observation of textual details, considering the work’s:
o Structure, style and themes
o Historical and social aspects it reflects and embodies
o Use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone
 Write to revise formal, extended analyses and timed, in-class responses. The
course requires:
o Writing to understand: Informal, exploratory writing activities that
enable scholars to discover what they think in the process of writing
about their reading
o Writing to explain: expository, analytical essays in which scholars
draw upon textual details to develop an extended
explanation/interpretation of the meanings of a literary text
 Develop:
o An extensive vocabulary used appropriately and effectively
o A variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of
subordination and coordination
o Logical organization, enhanced by specific techniques to increase
coherence, such as repetition, transitions, and emphasis
Ms. A. Griffin/English IV AP/2014-2015
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o A balance of generalization and specific, illustrative detail
o An effective use of rhetoric, including controlling tone, establishing
and maintaining voice, and achieving appropriate emphasis through
diction and sentence structure
-adapted from The CollegeBoard, “English Literature
and Comprehension Course Requirements”
Writing should focus on the critical analysis of literature and should include
expository, analytical and argumentative essays. The goal of the writing assignments
is to increase students' ability to explain clearly, cogently, even elegantly, what they
understand about literary works and why they interpret them as they do.
The AP Student:
Emphasis here is placed on the caliber of student who will succeed in the Advanced
Placement Program in English: "The AP student must be willing, if necessary, to sacrifice
social, extracurricular, and/or employment for the sake of learning. H/She is expected to:
o Cheerfully and eagerly accept any and all course work as assigned by
the teacher
o Read actively
o Learn independently, as well as through teacher instruction, spending time
in class and outside of class on the task assigned, observing without
fail all deadlines assigned
o Need no instruction or redirection from the teacher regarding paying
attention, wasting time, or disturbing the class
o Finish all work within the time limit given
o Refuse to miss class or to be late to class except in the rarest of
emergencies, and, in such an event, to accept responsibility for getting
"caught up"
o Understand that success in an AP course requires critical thinking
and independent study skills, thus creating a level of difficulty far greater
than that of other courses
o Understand that an AP student is concerned primarily with learning,
not simply making "good" grades
o Understand that success in an AP course requires a high mastery of
content level skills prior to beginning the course.
General Course Objectives:
The short-term goal of the course is for students to qualify on the Advanced Placement English
Literature and Composition Exam. The long-term goals are for students to refine analytical and
reading skills, to enhance their appreciation of and pleasure in literature, and to increase their
self-confidence in reading and writing about it, especially under the pressure of time. The course
focuses on close reading and analysis of poetry, prose, and drama and on the student’s oral and
written responses to what they read.
Ms. A. Griffin/English IV AP/2014-2015
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Reading:
The following texts may be used throughout the semesters. This list includes state adopted texts
as well as nonfiction pieces. The non-fiction works will be considered from a deep analytical
perspective. Human condition and motivation will be explored at a literary interpretive
level. Literature provides a mirror to help us understand ourselves and others. It reflects the
human condition thought processes and motivations. Universal themes are often apparent such
as man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. self, and man vs. God. Students must be able to read,
comprehend, and appreciate various literary genres. The ability to deeply analyze literature
will be demonstrated by way of classroom discussion and writing.
Required Texts including, but not limited to the following:
Beowulf, Grendel, Canterbury Tales, Macbeth, Jane Eyre, Bartleby the Scrivener, Billy
Budd, Benito Cereno, Heart of Darkness, Invisible Man, Hamlet, Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern are Dead; Perrine’s Literature, Sound, & Sense 10th ed. by Arp and Johnson
Whole Class AP Readings by Quarter:
1st Quarter: Beowulf, Grendel, Canterbury Tales, Jane Eyre
2nd Quarter: Macbeth, Bartleby the Scrivener, Billy Budd, Benito Cereno
3rd Quarter: A Modest Proposal, Heart of Darkness, Invisible Man
4th Quarter: Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Waiting for Godot
Writing:
We will begin the year with a diagnostic essay and review of AP scoring guidelines. After
completing an unrelated practice out of class essay, scholars will choose either a college
application essay or a college scholarship essay to demonstrate writing skills. Writing not only
includes in and out of class assignments, but timed in class pieces, as well.
Scholars should revise any essay under 80, as good writing demands revision. Before completing
a revision, students must discuss the revision and the errors in the original composition with the
teacher. Their revision grade will be averaged with the original grade.
Be advised that when you submit an assignment, you are stating that you have
neither sought nor accepted help other than that explicitly permitted by
Ms. Griffin.
Supplies:
Blue and black pens, flash drive/storage device/method, 1 ream of paper (any color),
composition notebook. Binder for handouts is optional
Scoring:
o
o
o
We will us the standard nine point AP scoring guide for timed writings.
AP students are expected to submit assignments in a timely fashion.
Students will receive rubrics for any assigned projects
Please note that an absence does not extend a due date.
Asheley.griffin@fortbendisd.com
Phone: 281-634-8643
Ms. A. Griffin/English IV AP/2014-2015
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Ms. A. Griffin/English IV AP/2014-2015