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AP English Language and Composition

Course Overview with Philosophy

The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text—from a range of disciplines and historical periods. (Source: AP® English Language and Composition Course Overview.)

Expectations & Support

Successful AP students will have the dedication, self-discipline, and the desire to apply themselves as a college student, and will budget their time effectively to manage the workload. AP courses maintain a level of rigor and a commensurate workload of a college-level course. This requires students to be organized and manage their time to support the demands of the class. Academic integrity is expected at all times, for students are given additional authority over their learning and as such, are expected to conduct themselves accordingly.

Exams & Assessment

  • 9-10 Individual Papers (7500 word count)

  • 4 Multiple Choice tests

  • Rhetorical Vocabulary assessments

  • Grammar and Style assessments

  • Required AP Exam (in May)

  • 20+ pages of reading per week

Materials & Resources

  • AP Classroom

  • The Language of Composition textbook, 3rd Edition

  • EBSCO and JSTOR databases

  • Other materials as provided by the instructor

Time Commitment

AP English Language and Composition requires students to write extensively in 4 genres: Rhetorical Analysis, Persuasive, Synthesis, and Research. While time spent on these tasks may differ from student to student, on average, a student should expect to spend at least 3 hours of work outside of class per week.