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• • • Welcome
    • Reading
    • Writing
    • Lesson Structure
    • Assignments
    • Course Materials
    • Course Syllabus for AP-Exam Track Students
    • Grading
    • AP Exam-Track Students: Deadlines and Time Management
    • About AP Central and the College Board

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome

Congratulations on your decision to take AP English Language and Composition. Your choice suggests that you are an accomplished, confident reader and writer. In most cases students who elect to take this class are seeking a course that is academically challenging and expect to work hard. AP Language and Comp is a two semester college level course that will require independence, initiative, and commitment—not to mention a full schedule of reading and writing assignments. The reward for your efforts will be the empowerment that comes from finely honed communication skills, greatly enhanced chances of college success, and the possibility of college credit and higher placement in college composition courses. Although taking the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in May is not a condition of enrolling in this class, doing so is encouraged for everyone and is required for those students seeking college credit. This class has as one of its goals to help you prepare for that examination. This curriculum has been submitted to the College Board for review and has been authorized by that organization to use the AP designation.

The course content links United States Literature and composition. In the fall of 2005 the College Board announced changes in both the focus of the AP Language and Composition course and on the design of the exam itself. One of the new expectations is that nonfiction will be at the heart of the course. Anticipate being engaged in careful reading of nonfiction texts that will always include a close analysis of the ways writers use the resources of language to achieve their purposes and connect with their intended audiences. You will also be participating in an ongoing investigation of issues and ideas. While our focus will be on language and the way language works, you will find that your studies in this class and your past or present studies in United States history will be mutually supportive. However, fiction, poetry, and drama will receive a lesser emphasis than in your past English courses.