English Literature & Composition

Course Description:

This course is designed using the most recent curriculum requirements published in the AP English Course Description. This course relates to the College of Charleston conceptual framework and theme of making the teaching and learning connection by encouraging participants to develop and expand their knowledge of teaching language and literature with a special emphasis on analytical reading and writing. Class readings will include selections from The Bedford Introduction to Literature. The course will also familiarize participants with the AP English exam format, past AP essay prompts, and released multiple choice items. Participants will discuss and score AP sample prompts, and apply past rubrics to student papers. Students in the course will identify key concepts, skills, and terms to be taught in their own classes, and they will generate their own AP syllabi frameworks. Members of the class will participate in model lessons and present their own inquiry-based lessons. Class activities will include a variety of reading and writing experiences, discussions of released AP materials, formal and informal writing assignments, pair/share activities, small group discussions, and model lesson preparation, presentation, and participation.

Course Objectives:

  1. Discuss the format of the AP lit exam
  2. Review released multiple choice examples
  3. Review essays from 2006-2008 AP Literature exams
  4. Discuss the scoring of AP exams
  5. Generate terms and skills needed to be successful on the exam
  6. Define and discuss close reading
  7. Apply close reading techniques from the College Board Vertical Teams Guide
  8. Read multiple, varied texts closely and participate in inquiry-based discussions
  9. Review past AP essay rubrics
  10. Score sample papers using rubrics
  11. Generate a “generic” AP style rubric
  12. Discuss the role of creative writing in AP Literature exam
  13. Generate lists of texts that have worked well in previous classes
  14. Review approved AP syllabi
  15. Discuss the role of summer and parallel reading assignments

Instructors:

School of Education, Health, and Human Performance
 Office of Professional Development in Education
66 George Street - Charleston, SC 29424
ph: 843/953-7651 fax: 843/953-4819  

page updated: February 14, 2008