Teaching AP® English Literature and Composition

About this course:

This 45-hour equivalent online course includes intensive sessions for teachers who are designing an AP® English literature and composition course for their high school or planning to take over an existing program. Administrators and AP® coordinators also should find this course useful, as it explains the design, benefits, and challenges of an AP® English literature and composition high school course. Topics include publications from The College Board's AP® program, timing and scheduling decisions that must be made when offering the course, and establishing a classroom experience that inspires students to do their best work. The AP® English literature and composition exam (offered each May) is explained, and tips for teaching and testing AP®-quality multiple-choice questions and free-response essays are provided. Participants conclude by creating their own syllabus for a two-semester AP® English literature and composition course. Recommendations on curriculum and book selection, source books, audiovisuals, and web-based learning opportunities are part of the course and its required assignments. The course is particularly useful for new AP® teachers. Materials published by The College Board are a first step, and course assignments should prove useful and practical for teachers who are setting up an AP® English literature and composition course that reflects a wide range of reading and writing.