AP Language and Composition
Summer Reading 2008
Ms. Alexander
Chugiak High School
Objective:
This course is a freshman college level study of rhetoric and composition. As such, it is a challenging course both in terms of the abstractions studied and the workload required for success. Students taking this course will see significant improvement in their writing skills, in their understanding of the English language (grammar, usage, rhetorical techniques, strategies, and modes), in their analytical abilities, and in their knowledge of the rhetoric, the art of using language effectively. The Advanced Placement College Board recommends that all students in AP Language and Composition complete summer reading as well as writing assignments related to the assigned texts. Having common titles read over the summer enables us to immediately begin our study of rhetoric in this challenging year-long college course.
Required Texts:
Obtain and read each of the following texts before school begins in the fall:
1. Three Cups of Tea: One ManÕs Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
2. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
*While these titles are available in many stores and libraries, I have arranged to have copies available for purchase at TitleWave Bookstore on Northern Lights Boulevard in Anchorage as well as The Book Shelf in Eagle River.
Assignment:
Mark up the texts in an annotative fashion as you read them. Your underlines, stars, (etc.) and questions and comments in the margins may reflect any reactions or questions that you have about the ideas presented, but should focus primarily upon how the language functions. You are studying not so much what the author says, but how he says it. Mortenson and Dunn are acclaimed authors who use carefully crafted diction in order to articulate persuasive arguments. Look at interesting word choices, imagery used that evokes the senses, how the authors structure their sentences and paragraphs and the story as a whole, selection of detail, figurative language used, the tone, and the effect of any or all of these. This, in general, is the study of rhetoric and is the focus of the course.
Guidelines/Expectations:
Your marked up texts are due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. These should illustrate that youÕve been actively reading and considering the language of the text, not mere highlighting without commentary or purpose. This assignment is worth 200 points in the grade book.
There will be an open-book essay exam on both texts to follow, so be sure to complete the readings by the due date in order to have success.
Contact information:
If you have questions about this assignment or about the course, please contact me via e-mail during the summer months at Alexander_Stefanie@asdk12.org.