AP College English

(Creighton University ENG 120/122)

Course Description: A one-year course that may be taken for college or Advanced Placement credit, College English emphasizes the development of world literature from a historical perspective. The development of genres will be studied as well as the literary approach to reality as opposed to the scientific or philosophic. The course will follow guidelines mandated by Creighton University’s World Literature I and II courses. The student will practice composition and rhetorical skills through a minimum of twelve essays geared to prepare the student in college writing. Creighton University registration occurs early in each semester; registration for the AP exam is in April.

Textbooks, First Semester

Mack et al. eds., The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces, Vol. A-C

Strunk and White, Elements of Style

Homer, The Iliad

Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Brayman and Petersen, Handbook for Composition

Various handouts

Textbooks, Second Semester

Mack et al. eds., The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces, Vol. D-F

Camus, The Stranger

Oe, A Personal Matter

Morrison, The Song of Solomon

Walcott, Omeros (not available online)

Brayman and Petersen, Handbook for Composition

Various handouts

General Syllabus

1st Semester--Introduction to genre (poetry, epic, drama), literary terminology, and literary criticism, units on literature of the ancient world, of the middle ages, and of the Renaissance

2nd Semester--Introduction to additional genre (short story, novel), units on 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th century literature

A more detailed syllabus for each unit will be provided.

Composition

Approximately three essays per quarter will be required. These essays will typically center around issues suggested by the study of the course literature. Different methods of composition will be studied, and creative options will sometimes be available. Essays will be evaluated according to the Handbook of Composition. Revisions will be required and graded. The instructor reserves the right to require that an essay be rewritten entirely if it is not found acceptable. Other written assignments may be required; typically these will be of lesser value. Once per semester, a research project may replace one of the required essays. In the course of writing any paper, all outside sources must be cited although such research may not be necessary. Most papers will be reviewed with the instructor in a private conference; these appointments are to be considered sacred.

Exams and Grading

There will be both quarter and final exams during both semesters. Finals are typically two hours long. Other exams will occur as needed. Minor quizzes will be given as the need arises and assigned an appropriate point value. The student’s grade is figured by dividing the student’s points earned by the total possible. Effort grades are based on attitude, willingness to accept criticism, and class participation and cooperation. Late work is unacceptable and will be downgraded 20% per day unless the student presents an excused absence. Students will be allowed one excused absence per semester on a paper due date or an exam date; after that, a paper’s or exam’s worth will be reduced accordingly. Exceptions to this rule may occur due to extended illness. Students planning an absence need to turn in written work in advance and plan to take tests or quizzes in advance if possible. Consult the instructor well ahead of time.