Course Overview:

This AP® English Literature and Composition online course immerses students in close reading and analysis of challenging literary works from a range of genres — novels, short stories, poems, plays, and nonfiction. Composed of challenging reading and writing assignments, the course focuses on intensive reading and discussion of the literature. Students will read at a fast pace and will be required to form independent opinions about the offered materials. Thoughtful analysis of the readings and multi-step writing assignments will be required. The writing component centers on the focused interpretation of high-level texts, with assignments ranging from Discussion Board posts to full, five-paragraph essays. Through course discussions, students will have consistent interaction with the teacher and peers. During weekly live sessions (where applicable), students have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussion with the teacher about course concepts and gain additional feedback on coursework. AP Literature and Composition is a year-long course. For most students, the course concludes with the College Board AP English Literature and Composition exam in early May.

Semester 1:

In the first semester, students will explore several literary works and themes. Unit 1 focuses on the play “Antigone,” covering its background and examining the tragic hero, as well as the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Unit 2 centers on “Hamlet,” providing background information and analyzing the play’s acts, characters, and themes. In Unit 3, students delve into “House of Mirth,” discussing its background and studying the events of Book 1 and 2. Unit 4 explores “A Tale of Two Cities,” including its background and an examination of Books 1-3. The fifth unit introduces students to various poets such as Longfellow, Bryant, Holmes, Whittier, Eliot, Auden, Angelou, and Giovanni. They will analyze their works and engage in multiple-choice practice related to poetry. The semester concludes with Unit 6, which focuses on preparing for the AP exam, including practicing question types for poetry, prose, and free response, as well as multiple-choice questions. Throughout the semester, students will develop critical analysis skills and gain a deeper understanding of the selected literary works.

Semester 2: 

In the second semester, students will continue their exploration of literature through a variety of works. Unit 7 focuses on “Dracula,” covering its background and analyzing chapters 1-26. This is followed by Unit 8, which explores “Pride and Prejudice,” delving into its background and studying chapters 1-61. A review of literary terms and AP skills for poetry analysis is also included. In Unit 9, students engage with “The Importance of Being Earnest,” discussing its background and analyzing acts 1-3. The next unit centers on “This Side of Paradise,” examining its background and exploring books 1-2. Unit 11 introduces students to “Dubliners,” providing background information and studying childhood, adolescence, and maturity in public life. There is also a review of multiple-choice strategies for the AP exam. Unit 12 focuses on short stories, including “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Gilman, “The Story of an Hour” by Chopin, “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by O’Connor, “A Rose for Emily” by Faulkner, and “A&P” by Updike. A wrap-up review of short story analysis and AP skills is also included. The final unit, Unit 13, involves the analysis of characters, themes, and plots in a modern novel, culminating in a final project. Throughout the semester, students will enhance their critical analysis skills, deepen their understanding of various literary works, and refine their ability to apply AP skills in literary analysis.