AP* English Literature and Composition
Our session is designed to engage all aspects of teaching AP* Literature and Composition from overall philosophy to pragmatic details. While we have an agenda packed full of activities and materials, the very nature of bringing together a group of teachers suggests a collegial atmosphere conducive to the exchange of ideas. Consequently, some adjustments may occur to meet the needs and concerns of the participants.
Agenda
Monday, 16 July
Morning Session
- Introductions: name/nickname; where do you teach?; what do you teach? How long?; favorite book/book currently reading.
- Two goals for an effective AP* Lit course: Prepare for the AP* Exam and prepare for college
- Brainstorming: What do you want to take away from this workshop? What should students learn and be able to do in AP* English? Which students should take the course? College Board Equity policy
- The AP* reading: structure and atmosphere of the reading, standards and rubrics, and reader expectations.
Afternoon Session
- Activity: Write one or two pages about your philosophy of student writing. How often should students write? What kind of writing do you assign? How do you provide feedback? What is the role of the revised, typed essay in your classroom? Do you assign a research paper? Why or why not?
- Introduce Global Commentary: Cardinal Woolsey's speech from Henry VIII
- AP* Poetry prompt practicum: analyze 2007 Poetry prompt and scoring guide. Examine Global Commentary.
- Homework: Carefully read and annotate the 2011 Poetry Prompt and Scoring Guide. We will discuss before the mock scoring session tomorrow afternoon.
Tuesday, 17 July
Morning Session
- The Big Picture: AP* English Lit & Comp Poetry course design. How many novels and plays? How many poems? How many in-class essays? What to do about AP* multiple-choice practice?
- Distribute College Board materials
- Discuss course and syllabus design, the Course Audit, and the role of contracts
- AP* Prose prompt practicum: analyze 2007 Prose prompt and scoring guide. Examine Global Commentary.
Afternoon Session
- Discuss the 2011 Poetry Prompt and Scoring Guide
- Mock scoring session of sample student poetry essays
Read "Answer the Question!": Guidelines for timed writing by Ryan Hoague and "Preparing Students for the AP* Open Question" by Dr. Mary Kay Harrington, Question 3 Leader. We will discuss tomorrow morning
Carefully read and annotate the 2011 Prose Prompt and Scoring Guide. We will discuss before mock scoring
session tomorrow afternoon
Wednesday, 18 July
Morning Session
- Discuss "Answer the Question!" and Dr. Harrington's article.
- Assignments and activities for poetry, novels and plays
- The role of the typed revised essay in AP* Lit
- AP* Open prompt practicum: analyze 2007 Open Prompt and Scoring Guide. Examine Global Commentary.
Afternoon session
- Discuss the 2011 Prose Prompt and Scoring Guide
- Mock scoring session of sample student prose essays
- Homework: Carefully read and annotate the 2011 Open Prompt and Scoring Guide. We will discuss before the mock scoring session tomorrow afternoon.
Thursday, 19 July
Morning Session
- Discuss the 2011 Open Prompt and Scoring Guide
- Mock scoring session of sample student open essays
- Analyze/discuss more past AP* Lit prompts
Afternoon Session
- Summer work and after the Exam
- Filling in the gaps and coming to conclusions
**College Board, AP, Advanced Placement Program and the acorn are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission..
J. Ryan Hoague, MA, has taught English at Temple City High School for eighteen years, including twelve years of AP* English Literature instruction. Mr. Hoague is currently co-Chairperson of the English department and has served on numerous committees focused on curriculum and composition. He has also been an adjunct instructor at Pasadena City College. Mr. Hoague has served as an AP* exam reader for English Literature for nine years and has been appointed Table Leader for this year. Additionally, he reads the essay portion of the SAT and placement essays for the Cal State University system. Mr. Hoague has reflected in depth on the elements of effective timed essay writing; he would like to share his insights about reader expectations and keys to student success.
