AP Language and Composition
Welcome to AP Language and Composition. I am excited to be teaching
this class because I am passionate about language and writing. This class represents a significant shift for many students - away from merely asking "what does it mean?" and focusing on "how do writers use language to create meaning?" That understanding helps students develop more sophisticated, college-level reading and writing skills.
Throughout the year, we will be exploring complex questions such as “What’s the purpose of my education?”, “What is the American Dream?”, “What’s the right thing to do?”, “When is it right to break the rules?”, to name a few. I studied philosophy in college and this informs my approach to exploring big questions. Students have found this approach not only highly engaging, but also extremely helpful in preparing them for the AP exam.
Our emphasis will be on developing critical thinking and formal writing, two skills necessary, not only for the AP exam,
but for success in college, career, and throughout life. I am not interested in teaching students what to think, but
rather, how to think, and then how to express that thinking in effective language. With the inspiration of the Greek
philosopher Socrates, we will focus on asking questions, avoiding easy answers, and forcing each of us to challenge
our assumptions.