2007-2008 AP Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Katherine Wheeler
Phone: 234-6508 (office)
Email: teacherwheeler@gmail.com
Blog-site URL: mba-ap-english.blogspot.com - AP English Literature and Composition

Course Philosophy

This class is designed for students to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition test and prepare them to succeed in college.

Class Expectations:

I expect this to be a class of scholars interested in the study of language. Webster’s Dictionary defines scholarly as, “characteristics suited to learned persons.” This is what I expect of all of us; to behave as learned persons, to delve into issues as learned persons, and to approach ideas with a thirst for knowledge.

I will do my best to provide a challenge and an atmosphere conducive to becoming the scholar that you wish to be. Erich Fromm wrote, “The root word of education in e-ducere, literally, to lead forth, or to bring out something which is potentially present.” I will try to educate you. I will provide you with the raw materials. I will ask you questions that require thought. I will give you reading materials that will give you more questions. I will give you a forum for you to explore these questions as scholars and with scholars.

You are all already successful students and realize that the success or reward of hard work does not come in the form of a letter grade but the growth that you gain from the class. I feel very fortunate to watch you grow in your appreciation of literature, your study of writing and your search for the “ungraspable phantom of life.” (Melville)

Qualities for Success

In order to achieve this goal the course will be fast paced and require extensive reading and writing. Be prepared for 1-2 hours of reading and writing homework a night.