AP® English Literature and Composition
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 (Weeks 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?
Week 1: Introduction to AP English Literature and Composition
Weekly 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.
Week 2: Tools for Analysis
Weekly 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.
Week 3: Plot and Character
Weekly 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.
Week 4: Setting and Point of View
Weekly 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.
Unit 2: Poetry I (Weeks 5-6)
Unit Level Essential Questions
Week 5: Literal Meaning and Speaker
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 6: Figurative Language, Structure, and Sound
Weekly 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.
Unit 3: Longer Fiction and Drama I (Weeks 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?
Week 7: The Awakening
Weekly 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.
Week 8: Symbol and Theme
Weekly Learning Objectives
- 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.
Week 9: Identity
Weekly 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.
Unit 4: Short Fiction II (Weeks 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?
Week 10: Close Reading
Weekly 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.
Week 11: Connecting Literary Elements
Weekly 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.
Week 12: Crafting an Essay
Weekly 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.
Unit 5: Poetry II (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?
Week 13: Sonnets
Weekly 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.
Week 14: Thesis
Weekly 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.
Week 15: Allusion
Weekly 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.
Unit 6: Longer Fiction and Drama II (Weeks 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?
Week 16: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Weekly 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.
Week 17: Macbeth - Acts 1 & 2
Weekly 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.
Week 18: Macbeth - Acts 3, 4, & 5
Weekly 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.
Week 19: Power
Weekly 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.
Unit 7: Short Fiction III (Weeks 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?
Week 20: The Other
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
- 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.
Week 21: “Boy on a Train”
Weekly 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.
Week 22: “Jubilee”
Weekly 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.
Unit 8: Poetry III (Weeks 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?
Week 23: Poetic Movements
Weekly 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.
Week 24: More Poets and Poems
Weekly 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.
Week 25: Beowulf
Weekly 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.
Unit 9: Longer Fiction III (Weeks 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?
Week 26: Never Let Me Go
Weekly 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.
Week 27: Grendel
Weekly 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.
Week 28: Grendel, Continued
Weekly 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.
Week 29: Otherness
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Interpret thematic ideas in a text.
- Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Unit 10: Exam Preparation (Weeks 30-33)
Unit Level Essential Questions
- How can we prepare for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam?
Week 30: AP Practice Exam
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Connect thematic ideas between texts.
- Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Week 31: Exam Reflection
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Week 32: Final Review
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Practice and reflect on performance on AP-style questions.
Week 33: Farewell
Weekly Learning Objectives
- Reflect on personal learning and growth throughout the course