WINTER 01 AP English Language and Composition… …What have I done to myself? Template

02 Course Overview “The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts and the development and revision of the well-reasoned, evidence-centered analytical and argumentative writing” (Course Description 2).

02 Course Overview Basically, this means that throughout this course, you will: Read texts RHETORICALLY, analyzing how authors communicate effectively in order to achieve a specific purpose or effect. Communicate ideas effectively to the audience, utilizing the various rhetorical strategies and devices Create your own arguments based on your own knowledge, observations, and experiences.

02 What should I expect? Read DEEPLY into texts Write for a variety of purposes Demonstrate understanding of language usage Utilize research practices Discuss class readings Debate controversial issues Work closely with peers Complete frequent in-class practice AP essays and multiple choice tests Write at least 2-3 papers each semester Also, expect to have reading, writing, or other practice to do for this class every night (even on snow days!)

Is this class right for me? 03 Is this class right for me? EVERYONE in here can be successful in this class, BUT you must make this class a priority and commit to the workload. This class is going to be difficult in two different respects: The content is HARD. Your entire English-class career so far has consisted mostly of literary analysis, so rhetorical analysis is pretty much brand new. You’ll be dealing with new vocabulary and new rhetorical devices, but most notably, an entirely new way of reading.

03 And Don’t FORGET: Even though most of the content will sound new to you, you guys do this stuff all the time and you know more than you realize. This class will help you to be conscious of what you are doing and do it with skill!

03 Read what CollegeBoard has to say about AP students: “AP students are students with “want-to”: students who are academically talented or gifted profit if they have that “want-to”; students who want to achieve, who are willing to work hard, can profit and succeed even if they have average ability. Students who want to take the AP challenge should try; even if students don’t “place-out” of college English, they will be better prepared for college level work than those students who did not take this class.”

03 This class is going to be difficult in two different respects: 2) Since we are dealing with argument, this class is going to test our interpersonal skills and force us to question our own logic and deal with our personal biases. We will inevitably discover personal differences of experience and opinion. We must deal with these differences respectfully and with an open-mind.

04 First Unit Overview This unit will focus on close reading strategies as well as introducing the major components of Rhetoric. Students will become familiar with the rhetorical triangle to understand Context, Speaker, Audience, Subject, Purpose of a variety of complex texts. Students will also review and deepen understanding of the Rhetorical Appeals – Ethos, Pathos, Logos – as well as be introduced to the Rhetorical Strategies – narration, description, exposition, and argumentation.

Unit Essentials Questions 04 Unit Essentials Questions How do we make meaning of the world? How does ones actions, beliefs, and experiences shape his or her identity? How does our identity help us shape our understanding? Class Discussion

05 Bias Statements In order for me to start to get to know you on a personal level and understand the experiences which have shaped your opinions, you will spend some time today composing a bias statement, in which you will think about the fundamental experiences in your life that will inevitably create biases you’ll have to deal with when dissecting and making arguments. Each of these experiences have helped shape your identity and how you perceive the world. It is important to be aware of them and to consider them as you are presented with arguments that differ from your own beliefs.

05 Bias Statements Read the instructions on the assignment sheet and see my personal example. Pick ONE of your experiences to share with the class. - Sorry if you don’t like to share out, get used to it! ;)