AP English IV - Literature and Composition

AP English IV at Woods Charter School centers on British literature. Students are presumed to have studied American Literature in 11^th grade, and have a solid background for the AP exam. Students also read self-selected books, some from the College Board reading list, as independent study. The selected texts represent authors of merit, and will provide essential background reading for students preparing for the AP exam. This course requires careful reading, critical analysis, and personal response to a variety of texts.

AP Literature and Composition general reading timeline                   

    (Please note that this is subject to adjustment as we go through the year)

1^st term

Beowulf

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Elizabethan poetry (selected)

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Independent reading – Shakespeare plus one of your choice

2^nd term

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard

Romantic poets (Wordsworth, Byron, Shelley)

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Independent reading – Dickens, Bronte, or Austen plus one of your choice

3^rd term

WWI poetry (Owens, Sassoon)

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Independent reading – 20^th century authors plus one of your choice

Course work emphasizes close reading, analysis, and critical response parallel to the requirements of the AP Literature and Composition exam, which students will take in May. Timed writing in response to a selection and AP-style objective test practice throughout the year prepare students for the exam.

Independent reading:   for each of the SIX required novels, you will

·         Read the entire book

·         Complete an annotations chart (to be provided)

·         Write a critical analysis of the book, including Direct Textual References (quotes) for support

Here are the steps to take.

1.      Select a book.

2.      Read it closely.

3.      As you read, complete the annotations chart.

4.      Mark interesting quotations.

5.      Write an essay (800 words) discussing what you see as the main themes, salient features, or other important aspect of the book

·         Use your best writing skills.

·         Use examples from the book.

·         Make a case for your opinion.

·         Follow formatting guidelines. 

6.      Turn in all annotations and critical essays in proper format and a timely fashion.

Classroom expectations

• Students will participate in class activities and discussion, reading in and outside of class, and other assigned work, every day.

• Students will be respectful members of the classroom and school community.

• Students will be responsible for their work.

Logistics and details

Supplies needed:

Pens and pencils

Spiral or composition notebook dedicated for journal

Section or binder for notes, handouts, loose paper

Loose-leaf paper

Planner / homework diary

Homework:

Homework will vary according to what we do in class. Students must make every effort to complete their homework on time; late work will be marked down 5 points per day – NO EXCEPTIONS. Please have your work printed and ready to hand in at the start of class; points will be deducted from that time.

Missing work:

If students miss school, they must ask for any missed work. Make-up time will be granted for excused absences.

Tardiness is not acceptable. Students who are late to class 3 times in a marking period will be assigned after school detention.

Trimester grading breakdown:                      

Final grading breakdown: