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AP® English Literature and Composition Self-Paced

Syllabus

Course Essential Questions

What is the nature of identity and how is it developed and maintained?
What does it mean to have, hold, and wield power?
Why and how do we create "others" in society and what is the impact of "othering"?
How can we use analytical reading skills and precise writing skills to evaluate and communicate?

Course Learning Objectives

Explain the function of character and setting (College Board Skill Categories 1 & 2).
Explain the function of plot and structure (College Board Skill Category 3).
Explain the function of narrator or speaker (College Board Skill Category 4).
Explain the function of figurative language such as word choice, imagery, symbols, and comparison (College Board Skill Categories 5 & 6).
Develop textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of part or all of a text (College Board Skill Category 7).
Develop analytical reading skills through close study of texts representing various literary genres and time periods.
Develop a fluent and precise writing style through frequent writing over extended and shorter time frames for a range of tasks, purposes, and audience.

Unit 1: Short Fiction I (Topics 1-4)

Unit Level Essential Questions

What tools can we use to analyze literature?
How can we understand the AP English Literature and Composition exam?
What factors impact identity?
How are people defined and can they change?
What are the elements of plot, character, setting, and point of view and how do they impact a text?

Topic 1: Introduction to AP English Literature and Composition

Learning Objectives

Understand the rules and policies of the course, and expectations for our learning community.
Learn about the course, including the course syllabus and materials.
Set goals and evaluate the benefits of failure when working toward a goal.
Write an essay including a defensible thesis and well-developed evidence and commentary.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.

Topic 2: Tools for Analysis

Learning Objectives

Develop a claim that requires defense with evidence from the text.
Select and explain textual evidence to support a claim.
Use active reading strategies to engage with and analyze texts.

Topic 3: Plot and Character

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Identify and describe how plot orders events in a narrative.
Explain the function of a particular sequence of events in a plot.
Identify and describe what specific textual details reveal about a character, that character’s perspective, and that character’s motives.
Develop a claim that requires defense with evidence from the text.
Select and explain textual evidence to support a claim.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.

Topic 4: Setting and Point of View

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Identify and describe specific textual details that convey or reveal a setting.
Select and explain textual evidence to support a claim.
Identify and explain the function of point of view in a narrative.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 2: Poetry I (Topics 5-6)

Unit Level Essential Questions

What tools can we use to analyze literature?
Who is the speaker in a poem and how do they impact the text?
What are the elements of figurative language, structure, and sound and how do they impact a text?

Topic 5: Literal Meaning and Speaker

Learning Objectives

Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Select and explain textual evidence to support a claim.
Identify and describe the narrator or speaker of a text.
Distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.

Topic 6: Figurative Language, Structure, and Sound

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Identify and explain the function of a simile.
Identify and explain the function of a metaphor.
Explain the function of specific words and phrases in a text.
Explain the function of structure in a text.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 3: Longer Fiction and Drama I (Topics 7-9)

Unit Level Essential Questions

What tools can we use to analyze literature?
What are the elements of symbol and theme and how do they impact a text?
How can we use the writing process to communicate, develop, and support our ideas?
What is the nature of identity?

Topic 7: The Awakening

Learning Objectives

Explain the function of conflict in a text.
Select and explain textual evidence to support a claim.
Identify and describe specific textual details that convey or reveal a setting.
Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Topic 8: Symbol and Theme

Learning Objectives

Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Select and explain textual evidence to support a claim.
Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.
Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.

Topic 9: Identity

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Write an essay that includes a defensible thesis statement which is supported by relevant and sufficient textual evidence.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Identify and describe what specific textual details reveal about a character, that character’s perspective, and that character’s motives.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 4: Short Fiction II (Topics 10-12)

Unit Level Essential Questions

Who has power and how do people wield their power?
Where does power come from?
How can we connect different literary elements to make meaning from a text?
How can we use the writing process to communicate, develop, and support our ideas?

Topic 10: Close Reading

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Explain the function of specific words and phrases in a text.
Explain the function of contrasting characters.
Describe how textual details reveal nuances and complexities in characters’ relationships with one another.
Explain the function of a particular sequence of events in a plot.
Explain the function of structure in a text.

Topic 11: Connecting Literary Elements

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Describe how textual details reveal nuances and complexities in characters’ relationships with one another.
Identify and describe details, diction, or syntax in a text that reveal a narrator’s or speaker’s perspective.
Identify and explain the function of point of view in a narrative.
Identify and explain how elements of character, setting, conflict, and narration affect a narrative.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Topic 12: Crafting an Essay

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Describe The relationship between a character and a setting.
Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 5: Poetry II (Topics 13-15)

Unit Level Essential Questions

What is the sonnet form and what are its benefits and drawbacks?
How can we use the writing process to communicate, develop, and support our ideas?
What makes an effective and defensible thesis?
How are literary elements used in poetry?
What does it mean to have power?

Topic 13: Sonnets

Learning Objectives

Explain the function of structure in a text.
Identify poetic terms.
Write an essay that includes a defensible thesis statement which is supported by relevant and sufficient textual evidence.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Topic 14: Thesis

Learning Objectives

Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
Evaluate essays for defensible theses, relevant evidence, and effective commentary.
Distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases.
Explain the function of specific words and phrases in a text.
Identify and explain the function of a simile.
Identify and explain the function of a metaphor.
Identify and explain the function of personification.
Identify and explain the function of an image or imagery.

Topic 15: Allusion

Learning Objectives

Identify and explain the function of an allusion.
Write an essay that includes a defensible thesis statement which is supported by relevant and sufficient textual evidence.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 6: Longer Fiction and Drama II (Topics 16-19)

Unit Level Essential Questions

What do we know about power?
What are the elements of symbol, perspective, and narration and how do they impact the text?
What is the function of contrasting characters?
How can we develop the fluency and variety of word choice and usage?
How can we craft a defensible thesis and effective evidence and commentary?

Topic 16: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
Identify and explain the function of point of view in a narrative.
Identify and describe details, diction, or syntax in a text that reveal a narrator’s or speaker’s perspective.
Explain how a narrator’s reliability affects a narrative.

Topic 17: Macbeth - Acts 1 & 2

Learning Objectives

Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
Distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases.
Explain the function of contrasting characters.
Describe how textual details reveal nuances and complexities in characters’ relationships with one another.
Develop textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of part or all of a text.

Topic 18: Macbeth - Acts 3, 4, & 5

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
Explain the function of a particular sequence of events in a plot.
Explain the function of a significant event or related set of significant events in a plot.
Explain the function of a character changing or remaining unchanged.
Explain how a character’s own choices, actions, and speech reveal complexities in that character, and explain the function of those complexities.
Develop textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of part or all of a text.

Topic 19: Power

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
Identify texts that provide evidence and examples to address the literary analysis FRQ.
Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 7: Short Fiction III (Topics 20-22)

Unit Level Essential Questions

What does it mean to be "other"?
How can we use the writing process to communicate, develop, and support our ideas?
How do setting, symbol, and imagery impact a text?
What does it mean to be a monster?

Topic 20: The Other

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Describe how textual details reveal nuances and complexities in characters’ relationships with one another.
Describe the relationship between a character and a setting.
Explain the function of a particular sequence of events in a plot.
Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.

Topic 21: “Boy on a Train”

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Explain the function of setting in a narrative.
Identify and explain the function of an image or imagery.
Write an essay that includes a defensible thesis statement which is supported by relevant and sufficient textual evidence.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Review literary terms.
Develop textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of part or all of a text.

Topic 22: “Jubilee”

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Explain the function of setting in a narrative.
Describe the relationship between a character and a setting.
Identify and explain the function of point of view in a narrative.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 8: Poetry III (Topics 23-25)

Unit Level Essential Questions

What is tone and how does it impact a text?
How do authors use literary devices to convey message and meaning?
How is otherness represented in Beowulf?

Topic 23: Poetic Movements

Learning Objectives

Review poetic terms.
Explain the function of structure in a text.
Identify and explain the function of a simile.
Identify and explain the function of a metaphor.
Distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases.
Explain how a narrator’s reliability affects a narrative.

Topic 24: More Poets and Poems

Learning Objectives

Identify and explain poetic devices.
Explain the function of structure in a text.
Identify and describe details, diction, or syntax in a text that reveal a narrator’s or speaker’s perspective.
Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.
Develop commentary that establishes and explains relationships among textual evidence, the line of reasoning, and the thesis.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.

Topic 25: Beowulf

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Explain the function of contrasts within a text.
Describe the relationship between a character and a setting.
Explain the function of specific words and phrases in a text.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 9: Longer Fiction III (Topics 26-29)

Unit Level Essential Questions

What does it mean to be "other"?
How do authors use symbols to communicate meaning?
How do point of view, plot events, and conflict function in a text?
How do authors show characters' change over time?
How can we use the writing process to communicate, develop, and support our ideas?
How is otherness created and defined?

Topic 26: Never Let Me Go

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
Explain how a character’s own choices, actions, and speech reveal complexities in that character, and explain the function of those complexities.

Topic 27: Grendel

Learning Objectives

Identify and explain the function of point of view in a narrative.
Explain how a narrator’s reliability affects a narrative.
Write an essay that includes a defensible thesis statement which is supported by relevant and sufficient textual evidence.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
Explain the function of specific words and phrases in a text.
Explain the function of conflict in a text.

Topic 28: Grendel, Continued

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
Explain the function of a character changing or remaining unchanged.
Write an essay that includes a defensible thesis statement which is supported by relevant and sufficient textual evidence.
Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Identify concepts and texts to address the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings from the CED.

Topic 29: Otherness

Learning Objectives

Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Unit 10: Exam Preparation (Topics 30-33)

Unit Level Essential Questions

How can we prepare for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam?

Topic 30: AP Practice Exam

Learning Objectives

Connect thematic ideas between texts.
Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Topic 31: Exam Reflection

Learning Objectives

Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Topic 32: Final Review

Learning Objectives

Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.

Week 33: Farewell

Learning Objectives

Reflect on personal learning and growth throughout the course.