Enhance your reading and writing skills as you interpret and learn about plays in preparation for the AP® English Literature & Composition exam. This course prepares you to read more deeply and write more clearly about works of literature. This course will focus on great pieces of drama and how we read and interpret them. We will discuss the works of William Shakespeare and Edmond Rostand. Through an engaging collection of videos, authentic readings, and support material from a variety of sources, you will learn to appreciate literature from different genres.
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You will broaden your vocabulary while you sharpen your academic and creative writing skills. Interaction with other students will help you to refine your thinking about the reading and writing as well. You will learn to write under time pressure, and have the opportunity to complete practice assignments that are similar to those you will find on the AP examination.
There are no prerequisites; you don’t have to take the AP exam to join the course. If you want to learn about literature and writing, this course is for you.
What you'll learn
- How to read and interpret great pieces of drama
- Cultural and historical background of Shakespeare and Rostand
- Academic writing skills
- Test-taking strategies
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to Drama, Shakespeare 1
Overview of form and vocabulary
How can we understand plays?
Shakespeare: Moonlight Magic
Why do we still read Shakespeare?
Week 2: Shakespeare 2
Shakespeare's Fairies: Puck and Oberon
What are some techniques for reading plays?
Practice Test 1: Multiple Choice
Week 3: Rostand 1
Practice Test 2: Essay/Free Response
Cyrano de Bergerac: The Man Behind the Nose
Week 4: Rostand 2
Cyrano: Themes and Motifs
How do we come up with writing ideas?
Practice Test 3: Multiple Choice
Week 5: Albee 1
Introduction to George and Martha
How can we refine our written ideas?
Practice Test 4: Multiple Choice
Week 6: Writing about Drama & Albee 2
Defending a thesis with evidence
How can you succeed on the AP exam?
Practice Test 5: Essay/Free Response
Week 7: Final Exam Part 3
