AP English Literature and Composition
(English IV—AP)
Mrs. Connye Griffin
SHS Room S208
connyegriffin@mooreschools.com or connye.griffin@gmail.com
and
405-735-4939
Literature is where I go to explore the highest and lowest places in human
society and in the human spirit, where I hope to find not absolute truth but the
truth of the tale, of the imagination and of the heart. –Salman Rushdie
Course Description. In the senior year, students study British literature chronologically.
AP English Literature and Composition, according to the College Board course description,
includes intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating
on works of recognized literary merit, taking time to understand a work’s complexity, to absorb
its richness of meaning, and to analyze how that meaning is embodied in literary form. Writing is
an integral part of the . . . course and exam. Writing assignments focus upon the critical analysis
of literature and include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays
In the senior course, students read Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Trifles by Susan
Glaspell, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Hamlet by William
Shakespeare, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard, Twelfth Night by
William Shakespeare, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Cold Mountain by
Charles Frazier, and representative works for a chronological study of British literature.
Students will also write creatively in order to foster the development of voice and style and to
facilitate close reading skills. Each semester, students will write approximately eleven (11)
essays, both in-class and out-of class literary analyses and reflective essays in addition to short
journal responses and creative pieces. Students may, at any time, rewrite essays after teacher
review and will sometimes be required to rewrite for specific purposes.
Course Objectives. Students will
Apply reading strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, appreciate and respond to a
wide variety of texts
Analyze literature in its historical and social context
Draw inferences and support them with text evidence
Demonstrate knowledge of literary elements and techniques
Explain literary elements and techniques and show how they affect the overall meaning
of the work
Express ideas effectively in writing, using the writing process
Demonstrate thinking skills in listening
Express ideas effectively in small and large group discussions
Practice organization and time-management skills
Major Units of Study and Activities
1. Laying the Foundation, using Summer Reading titles, Lord of the Flies and Trifles
a. Analyzing elements of style for tone
b. Developing and expressing theme
c. Learning and/or reviewing diction, imagery, detail, language and syntax
d. Previewing and practicing AP Open Fiction essays
e. Previewing and analyzing AP Poetry selections
f. Writing about style
2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, more poetry, & British literature
a. Applying all lessons about analysis and writing from Laying the Foundation to
analyze The Kite Runner
b. Writing literary analyses
c. Continuing to read and analyze AP poetry selections (a year-long unit)
d. Reading representative, significant works from the Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, and
Renaissance eras
3. College Resume and Reflective Essay Practice
4. Tragedy
a. Oedipus the King by Sophocles
b. Hamlet by William Shakespeare
5. Modern Thought and Comedy
a. Restoration literary era, especially satire
b. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard
c. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
d. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
6. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Evaluation: Students may expect to receive grades for in-class and out-of-class essays, quizzes,
multiple choice exams, comprehensive tests, daily work, notes, researched and documented
essays, collaborative group work, creative work, speaking, and writing exercises at the rate of
(usually) two per week.
Major tasks such as AP essays, multiple choice exams, long-term projects, and researched,
documented essays will earn more points than other tasks such as quizzes, notes, reader
responses, collaborative group work, and writing exercises. Most essays will be graded using a 9point rubric, consistent with College Board scoring. In addition, the teacher will honor all District
requirements. Many essay, including researched, documented ones, must be submitted to
turnitin.com.
Assignments and Examinations. No later than Friday of each week, assignments, class activities,
and deadlines for the next six (minimum) class days can be found on the whiteboard and
online at www.mooreschools.com. Choose Southmoore High School under “Our
Schools,” Connye Griffin under “School Staff,” and “Calendar.”