SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

CURRICULUM
Course Title:
Course Number:
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Periods Per Week:
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Advanced Placement Language and Composition

0146
11
5
42 Minutes
Full Year
1.0
Kristin Wick Vogan and Amanda Armor
20 March 2012

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
AP English Language and Composition is a college-level course that focuses on the semantic, structural, and rhetorical
aspects of language. Included in this course are various narrative and essay forms and other examples of expository
writing, as well as the analysis of structure, diction, and sentence patterns in literary works. Students have the option of
taking the AP English Language Examination that could result in attaining college credit. Students wishing to take this
course must meet the following requirements: the completion of a diagnostic essay, successful completion of summer
reading and writing assignments, and tenth grade teacher recommendation. Students will also complete the Graduation
Project research paper as part of this course.
The objective of the class is to earn college credit in English while still in high school by electing to take the National
AP Language and Composition class in the spring.
This course involves a mandatory summer work component.
The state has developed Common Core Standards in English Language Arts. The Pennsylvania Common Core
Standards for eleventh and twelfth grade are:
1.2 Reading Informational Text
1.3 Reading Literature
1.4 Writing
1.5 Speaking and Listening
**Curriculum content and resources may be used in various orders.
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Essential Questions for the Course:

1. How do strategic readers create meaning from informational and literary text?
2. What are the qualities of memorable writing?
3. Is argument a battle or an art?
4. How does diction, syntax, organization and style color meaning?
5. Why is it important for writers and speakers to consider audience?

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The following outline provides a general overview of the course content, not a chronological timetable. The weeks denoted for each area
provide an idea for the overall time spent working with a given topic throughout the school year.
COURSE OUTLINE
Summer Work
A. Definition of Literary
Terms
B. Analysis of authors
purpose and style
C. Analysis of authors style,
and impact upon literature
D. Analytical comparative
style essay

OBJECTIVES (PA standard)

CC.1.2.11-12.L
Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational
text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently
CC.1.3.11-12.F
Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in
texts
CC1.4.11-12.L
Demonstrate a grade appropriate command of the conventions
of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation
and spelling
CC1.4.11-12.Q
Use various types of phrases and clauses to convey specific
meanings and add variety and interest

Grammar
A. Parts of speech
1. Nouns
2. Pronouns
3. Verbs
4. Adverbs
5. Adjectives
6. Articles
7. Conjunctions
B. Parts of the sentence
1. Types of sentences
2. Subjects
3. Predicates
4. Phrases
5. Clauses
6. Usage in writing
misplaced modifiers

CC.1.2.11-12.F
Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in
texts
CC.1.3.11-12.F
Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in
texts
CC1.4.11-12.L
Demonstrate a grade appropriate command of the conventions
of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation
and spelling
CC1.4.11-12.Q
Use various types of phrases and clauses to convey specific
meanings and add variety and interest

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III. Vocabulary and SAT Prep

CC.1.2.11-12.K
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiplemeaning words and phrases based on grade level reading and
content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies and tools
CC.1.2.11-12.J
Acquire and use accurately general academic and domainspecific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing,
speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level;
demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge
when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension
or expression

IV. AP Practice Tests and Essays

A. Multiple-choice practice
tests
B. Sample essays with
scoring

CC.1.2.11-12.E
Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author
uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the
structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging
CC.1.2.11-12.F
Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in
texts
CC.1.2.11-12.H
Analyze seminal texts based upon reasoning, premises,
purposes, and arguments
CC.1.2.11-12.K
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiplemeaning words and phrases based on grade level reading and
content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies and tools
CC.1.2.11-12.L
Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational
text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently

V. Analysis
A. Authors Purpose

CC.1.2.11-12.E
Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author
uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the

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structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging

B. Authors Style
C. Impact of literary and
rhetorical choices upon
work
1. Points of view
2. Audience
3. Tone
4. Diction
5. Syntax
6. Organization
7. Figurative language
8. Intentionality of
choices and their
effect on text as a
whole
a. Letters
b. Personal
Narrative
c. Author Strategies

CC.1.2.11-12.F
Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in
texts
CC.1.2.11-12.H
Analyze seminal texts based upon reasoning, premises,
purposes, and arguments
CC.1.2.11-12.K
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiplemeaning words and phrases based on grade level reading and
content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies and tools
CC.1.2.11-12.L
Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational
text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently
CC.1.3.11-12.B
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and
conclusions based on and related to an authors implicit and
explicit assumptions and beliefs
CC.1.3.11-12.D
Evaluate how an authors point of view or purpose shapes the
content and style of a text
CC.1.3.11-12.F
Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in
texts

CC.1.4.11-12.C
Develop and analyze the topic thoroughly by selecting the most
significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete
details, quotations, or other information and examples
appropriate to the audiences knowledge of the topic; include
graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension
CC.1.5.11-12.A

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Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative

discussions on grades level topics, texts, and issues, building on
others ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively

VI. Essay Writing and Drafting

A. Writing
1. Prewriting and
planning
2. Thesis Statement and
Writing the first draft
3. Workshopping,
editing, and revising
of essays for final
work
B. Writing Tasks
1. Analysis of writer
strategies and impact
of choice on text
2. Comparison and
Contracts of authors
styles and purposes
3. Creation of personal
narrative with
awareness of
rhetorical strategies
4. Workshopping,
editing, and revising
of essays for final
work

CC.1.4.11-12.K Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects

of composition
Use precise language, domain specific vocabulary, and
techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the
complexity of the topic
Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while
attending to the norms of the discipline in which they are writing
Establish and maintain a formal style
CC.1.4.11-12.P Create a smooth progression of experiences or
events using a variety of techniques to sequence events so that
they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build
toward a particular tone and outcome; provide a conclusion that
follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or
resolved over the course of the narrative
CC.1.4.11-12.Q Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects
of writing
Use parallel structure
Use various types of phrases and clauses to convey specific
meanings and add variety and interest
Use precise language, domain specific vocabulary, and
techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the
complexity of the topic
CC.1.4.11-12.S Draw evidence from literary or informational
texts to support analysis, reflection, and research, applying grade
level reading standards for literature and literary non-fiction
CC.1.4.11-12.T Develop and strengthen writing as needed by
planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach,
focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific
purpose and audience
CC.1.5.11-12.C Present information, findings, and supporting
evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective;
organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate
to purpose, audience, and task

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VII. Literature Analysis

A. Drama and Fiction
1. Characterization
2. Literary Devices
3. Use of setting
4. Point of View
5. Symbol and Allegory
6. Plot
B. Differences between
commercial and literary
fiction
C. Evaluating quality of
writing
1. Authors purpose
2. Authors intentions

CC.1.3.11-12.G Analyze multiple interpretations of a story,

drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or
recorded novel or poetry), evaluating how each version
interprets the source text. (Include at least one play by
Shakespeare and one play by an American dramatist.)
CC.1.3.11-12.H Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works
of literature that reflect a variety of genres in the respective
major periods of literature, including how two or more texts
from the same period treat similar themes or topics
CC.1.3.11-12.C Analyze the impact of the authors choices
regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or
drama
CC.1.3.11-12.D Evaluate how an authors point of view or
purpose shapes the content and style of a text
CC.1.3.11-12.B
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and
conclusions based on and related to an authors implicit and
explicit assumptions and beliefs
CC.1.2.11-12.L
Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational
text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently

VIII.

Persuasion

A. Reasoning
1. Logic
a. Ethos
b. Pathos
c. Logos
2. Fallacies
3. Fallacy Project
B. Argument
1. Rhetorical Devices

CC1.2.11-12.E
Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author
uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the
structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging
CC1.2.11-12F
Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts
CC1.2.11-12.G
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented
in different media or formats as well as in words in order to
address or solve a problem

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2. Organization
3. Effectiveness of
argument
4. Evaluation of
argument
5. Visual Argument
C. Speeches and commercial
analysis

CC.1.3.11-12.B
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and
conclusions based on and related to an authors implicit and
explicit assumptions and beliefs
CC.1.2.11-12.L
Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational
text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently

D. Logical Fallacies
E. Political Argument and
Rhetoric
1. Political Discourse
2. Political Language

CC.1.4.11-12.D
Organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each
new element builds on that which precedes it to create whole;
use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the
major sections of the text; provide a concluding statement or
section that supports the information presented; include
formatting when useful to aiding comprehension
CC.1.4.11-12.Q
Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of writing
Use parallel structure.
Use various types of phrases and clauses to convey
specific meanings and add variety and interest
Use precise language, domain specific vocabulary,
and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy
to manage the complexity of the topic
CC.1.4.11-12.I
Distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims;
develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly,
supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing
out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that
anticipates the audiences knowledge level, concerns, values,
and possible biases
CC.1.5.11-12.B
Evaluate how the speakers perspective, reasoning, and use of
evidence and rhetoric affect the credibility of an argument
through the authors stance, premises, links among ideas, word
choice, points of emphasis, and tone
CC.1.5.11-12.F
Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to add

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interest and enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and

evidence

IX. American Literature

A. American Beginnings
B. Nature and Symbol in
Transcendentalism
C. Archetypes
D. Authors purpose and
rhetoric

CC1.2.11-12.I
Analyze foundational U.S. and world documents of historical,
political, and literary significance for their themes, purposes,
and rhetorical features
CC.1.3.11-12.B
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and
conclusions based on and related to an authors implicit and
explicit assumptions and beliefs
CC1.3.11-12K Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade
level, reading independently and proficiently
CC.1.3.11-12.H
Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature that
reflect a variety of genres in the respective major periods of
literature, including how two or more texts from the same
period treat similar themes or topics
CC.1.3.11-12.C
Analyze the impact of the authors choices regarding how to
develop and relate elements of a story or drama
CC.1.3.11-12.D Evaluate how an authors point of view or
purpose shapes the content and style of a text
CC.1.3.11-12.B Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to
support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as
inferences and conclusions based on and related to an authors
implicit and explicit assumptions and beliefs
CC.1.2.11-12.L
Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational
text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently

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X. Synthesis
A. Valid source identification
and collection
B. Strategies of synthesis
D. Research paper
1. Valid sources and
MLA format
2. Brainstorm
3. Paper proposal
4. Outline
5. Rough Draft
6. Editing and revision
Process
7. Final Draft
E.

Science Writing

F.

Literary Critics

CC1.2.11-12H
Analyze seminal texts based upon reasoning, premises,
purposes, and arguments
CC.1.3.11-12.B
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of
what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and
conclusions based on and related to an authors implicit and
explicit assumptions and beliefs
CC.1.4.11-12.D
Organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each
new element builds on that which precedes it to create whole;
use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the
major sections of the text; provide a concluding statement or
section that supports the information presented; include
formatting when useful to aiding comprehension
CC1.4.11-12G
Write arguments to support claims in any analysis of substantive
topics
CC.1.4.11-12.Q
Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of writing
Use parallel structure
Use various types of phrases and clauses to convey
specific meanings and add variety and interest
Use precise language, domain specific vocabulary,
and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy
to manage the complexity of the topic

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