KECOUGHTAN HIGH SCHOOL
AP 12 LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION, 2014-2015
MR. COMPANION (ANNEX 2) AND MRS. FRIESZ (ANNEX 5)
E-MAIL: ccompanion@hampton.k12.va.us and bfriesz@hampton.k12.va.us
WEBSITE: http://www.khsapenglish12.teachercanvas.com/Home.aspx
Dear Student,
Welcome to Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, Class of 2014! We would like
to start by encouraging all Seniors to consider their college choices this summer by visiting schools;
practice writing college essays; and, of course, reading for content to prepare for all AP courses.
Background: According to reporter Katy Hopkin’s U.S. News online article, “Education,” – “The
rigorous courses not only introduce students to college-level academics, but also offer an opportunity
to amass credits before high school graduation – ostensibly saving money on college in the long run.”
“’AP classes mimic college courses in the requirements, the workload, and what’s expected of the
students,’ explains Gaye Weintraub, a tutor from Texas whose AP credits allowed her to place out of
nine hours of freshman coursework when she studied at the University of Texas- Austin” “’In the best
possible scenario, it could save you a year of tuition,’ says Steven Goodman, an education consultant
and college admissions strategist for TopCollege.com.” Please visit this website for the complete
version of this informative article: http://www.usnews.com/education/highschools/articles/2012/05/10/weigh-the-benefits-stress-of.
We have included in this AP package two informational handouts from the College Board to assist
you with your college search, application, and essay. Please contact us via e-mail over the summer if
we can help with early admission or assist with other college requirements.
Course Description: This advanced literature course will engage students in careful reading and
analysis of a challenging set of literary works from a range of genres including novels, short stories,
poetry, and drama. The focus of the course will be on intensive reading and discussion of literature,
as well as to introduce secondary critical essays for discussion and evaluation. Emphasis will be
placed on thoughtful and cogent analysis of the readings using a variety of theoretical frameworks
and devices.
The course is intended to provide students with an academic experience parallel to that of a collegelevel literature course. It will also include a writing and discussion component that focuses on
expository, analytical, and argumentative writing about literature through both discussion and a
variety of essay formats. Students are expected to be active readers as they analyze and interpret
textual details, establish connections among their observations, and draw logical inferences leading
toward interpretive conclusions. In this way the course prepares students who do all of the
coursework for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Exam administered each May
while still engaging with the traditional 12th grade curriculum. Students will read, write, and discuss
poetry, prose, and drama at an advanced level while using online and classroom resources to develop
a variety of skills including:
 Sophisticated use of literary elements and terminology,
 Close reading of various texts,
 Creating, drafting, and editing college-level analytical essays,
 Preparing and writing timed essays, and
 Advanced use and mastery of standard English.
Learning Outcomes:
At the completion of English Literature and Composition, the student will be able to:
 Make warranted and reasonable assertions about an author’s arguments,
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Recognize and use literary devices/terms,
Apply literary terminology to prose, drama, and poetry,
Annotate a literary text,
Analyze different genres of literature, particularly short stories, novels, drama, and poetry,
Read literary texts closely,
Read, understand, and answer timed analytical literary essays,
Recognize and assess the elements of different literary genres,
Read, draft, edit, and format analytic and research essays,
Answer multiple-choice questions similar to those on the Literature and Composition exam,
and
Use computer technology and the Internet to compliment an understanding of literature.
The Assigned Summer Reading Books from the AP Tested Reading List are:
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4.
Foster, Thomas. How to Read Literature Like a Professor. (Instructional Non-Fiction).
Kingston, Maxine Hong. The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts. (NonFiction).
Kingsolver, Barbara. The Poisonwood Bible. (Epic).
McCarthy, Cormac. The Road. (Dystopian Fiction).
NOTE: STUDENTS MUST HAVE READ ALL FOUR BY DAY ONE (START OF SCHOOL) – SEPTEMBER 3,
2013 AND SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF EACH BOOK.
Suggested Activities:
In order to maintain your reading and writing skills over the summer months, we suggest that you
practice the skills of critical reading by keeping notes as you read, or keeping a reading log. A reading
log consists involves keeping track of key words and phrases (including unknown vocabulary);
annotating (tagging) or underlining/circling any words or phrases that stand out to you for any
reason; and writing down any questions you may have while reading.
The key to analysis is the comprehension of rhetorical devices; syntax; historical events; and analysis
of literary devices such as: allusions; climax; exposition; metaphors; internal/external conflicts; plot;
rising action; resolution; “cause-effect” theme; etc. While this is NOT a written assignment, it is
strongly encouraged to help with content knowledge and prepare for AP-style testing that will be
completed upon returning to school in the fall.
On the KHS AP Literature website there is a list of literary elements and guided questions for each of
the books. Also, there will be an online discussion board available for students to discuss the works.
The list of all AP Literature Tested works is also on the KHS website at
http://khs.sbo.hampton.k12.va.us in the “Library” section. We encourage all students to read
extensively and choose titles from the AP Reading list.
Seniors, we look forward to working with you in the fall. Please have at least five (5) college and
their essay requirements ready to prepare for our most important early essay: the college
admissions essay. If you or your parents have any questions over the summer pertaining to the
course or the summer reading, please do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail. Enjoy your summer
reading and college search. Be ready to write in September!
Sincerely,
AP 12 Literature Instructors
Mr. C. Companion
Mrs. B. Friesz