English
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION
Grade 11
1 Year
AP Language and Composition is a college level English course, and students can, by good performance on the Advanced Placement Examination, obtain college credit and/or advanced placement in college composition. This course is a challenging, academically rigorous course that is beneficial not only in terms of college credit or placement but also in terms of intellectual growth. Based upon classical rhetoric, AP Language and Composition features instruction in critical reading and analytical writing from various modes, such as persuasive, expository and narrative. Additionally, by studying examples of prose from various fields and periods, primarily in American literature, students gain an understanding of the principles of effective writing and become effective writers themselves. Finally, the organized study of the structures of sentences, paragraphs, and larger discursive patterns introduces students to the semantic, structural and rhetorical resources of the language.
PREREQUISITE: “A” In English 10 (P) or “B” or better in ENGLISH 10 (ACC); satisfactory performance on a Written Entrance Exam; completion of Summer Assignment.
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
Grade 12
1 Year
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition is a college-level English course, which takes more time, requires more work, and gives greater opportunity for individual accomplishment than 12th grade college prep English class. At the conclusion of the course, successful students will be able to write a lucid essay in a timed-writing situation. The personal narrative essay for college entrance requirements is perfected the first quarter. Students will become accustomed to writing and analyzing novels, poetry and dramas from world literature upon which to draw and answer to an essay question posed on the Advanced Placement Examinations in English. Additionally, students create a “symbolic” project and produce a video extending the meaning of literary works such as Ellison’s Invisible Man and Heller’s Catch 22. Socratic discussion skills are taught and enhanced in addition to working on the argumentative literary essay and the essai. This last free form method of questioning and exploring one’s closely held values enables students to improve their personal narrative writing.
PREREQUISITE: A grade of “C” or better in English 11 (AP) or a “B” or better in English 11 (P).
ENGLISH 12 (P)
Grade 12
1 Year
In this college preparatory English class, seniors will read literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present covering various literary genres. They will survey the development of the English language through intellectual, historical, and social influences. Students will improve their writing skills, including informal and formal essays focusing on analytical research techniques and reasoning skills. The core texts include: Beowulf, Frankenstein, In Cold Blood, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. All students are required to complete a senior project culminating in a professional portfolio, analytical paper, and professional presentation. This course meets the California state standards as well as requirements for students preparing to enter the University of California and other four-year college institutions. Speaking, listening and presentation skills will be required.
PREREQUISITE: “C” or better in ENGLISH 11 (P) OR ENGLISH 11(AP)