A.P. Language and Composition is aligned to an introductory college-level rhetoric course in which students focus on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise.
Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods.
Please note that A.P. Language and Composition is NOT an English III Honors class, as the curriculum is different. Nor does A.P. Language or Composition include many works of fiction. As previously stated, the course focuses on pieces of nonfiction, including, but not limited to, articles, speeches, political cartoons, images, paintings, and prose.
Course Overview
The coursework for A.P. Language and Composition focuses on the following four skills, referred to as "Big Ideas":
Rhetorical Situation
Claims and Evidence
Reasoning and Organization
Style
Students will practice these skills in their reading and writing throughout the course in order to properly prepare for the A.P. Language and Composition exam in May.
Furthermore, reading and writing assignments will largely fall under one of the following three categories:
Rhetorical Analysis
Argumentation
Synthesis
Students will be given routine vocabulary lists, timed write exams, multiple-choice practice questions, and journal prompts.
Unit Sequence
Fall Semester:
Unit I: On Humanity Unit II: On Community Unit III: On Identity Unit IV: On Economics
Spring Semester:
Unit V: On Ethics and Philosophy Unit VI: On Language Unit VII: On Education Unit VIII: On Culture and the American Dream