AP Language and Composition Summer Preparation Mrs. Billings “You shall no longer take things at second or third hand, not look through the eyes of the dead, nor feed on the spectres in books. You shall not look through my eyes either, nor take things from me, you shall listen to all sides and filter them from yourself.” ― Walt Whitman , Song of Myself The Advanced Placement English Language course aims to inspire you to be lifelong learners (and lovers) of language! As a collegelevel course, the content and instruction are designed both to prepare you for the rigors of the college classroom, and to help you unpack the power of words and the art of composition. Applying the words of Walt Whitman, you will uncover your own voice through active reading, thinking, writing, synthesizing, analyzing, and arguing. Works from a variety of time periods and rhetorical contexts will provide you with springboards for discussion and models for crafting your own writing. Texts and assignments expand beyond the written word to include a multitude of media such as visual arts, photography, architecture, advertising, political cartoons, and graphic novels. Still, no matter what platform a speaker chooses, he or she returns to the artful construction of ideas as a means of selfexpression. It is essential that you take full responsibility for your education. I will provide materials and opportunities, but as independent, focused individuals you will have to make the most of these resources, and often determine in which direction the course will run. Students who complete this course are expected to take the AP Language and Composition exam in May. In the pages that follow, you will find your summer course work. Please purchase a journal (a onesubject notebook is fine – or something fancier if you like) for summer reading tasks, and a threering binder for class work. ● Your summer work will count heavily toward Q1 and lay a foundation for the course. ● All assignments must be with you on the first day of class in September 2016. ● All assignments must be completed by the first day of class. ● All work must be original; any plagiarized material will result in removal from the course and further disciplinary action. ● Late work will receive partial credit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected] any time over the summer. I will respond as soon as possible. SUMMER READING Text #1: In Cold Blood , Truman Capote Read In Cold Blood , Truman Capote Keep a dialectical journal for the novel . D ialectical means “the art or practice of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments” (dictionary.com). A dialectical journal, then, is used to arrive at the “truth” of a text by engaging in conversation with the written work itself. Divide your paper into two columns. As you read, note 25 passages that stand out . In the lefthand column of your paper, record a meaningful quote. Don’t forget page numbers! In the righthand column, write your twofold critical response to the text. It is always best to begin with your first response, and then shift into analysis. Specifically, your dialectical thinking might include: making judgements asking questions analyzing the writer’s use of specific language (i.e. surface features) noting the purpose and effect of rhetorical devices connecting to real life connecting to other works of literature drawing inferences developing insights comparing and contrasting drawing conclusions predicting consequences * See example (APHuckdialecjournalsample.pdf), but note that your response should be fuller ; fill most of a column. You may write or type your assignment. *************** SUMMER READING Text #2 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology, Third Edition , Samuel Cohen, Ed. Read and annotate twentyfive essays from 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology, Third Edition , Samuel Cohen, Ed. A. Read the fifteen essays listed here. B. Complete the For Discussion and Writing questions. You may skip the connections questions if they are not applicable. Record your responses in your spiral notebook. C. Read ten more of your choice. Complete the For Discussion and Writing questions for them as well. “The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me” Sherman Alexie “On Compassion” Barbara Lazear Ascher “Seeing” Annie Dillard “On Being a Cripple” Nancy Mairs “Games” Steven Johnson “Kid Kustomers” Eric Schlosser “The Men We Carry in Our Minds” Scott Russell Sanders “Declaration of Sentiments” Elizabeth Cady Stanton “Notes of a Native Son” James Baldwin “On Morality” Joan Didion “Where I Lived and What I Lived for” Henry David Thoreau “Games” Steven Johnson “The Ways We Lie” Stephanie Johnson “Shooting an Elephant” George Orwell “Graduation” Maya Angelou *************** SUMMER READING Text #3: The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition , Strunk and White Read this book. All of it. Take notes. DAY 1 Quiz #1 “Elementary Rules of Usage” pp. 1 13 DAY 2 Quiz #2 “Principles of Composition” pp. 15 32 DAY 3 Quiz #3 “A Few Matters of Form” pp. 34 38 DAY 4 Quiz #4 “Words and Expressions Commonly Misused” pp. 39 65
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