AP English Literature Summer Reading 2016-2017

As you know, your work for this course will begin with the summer reading assignments. The summer reading is comprised of texts and assignments that will enhance your ability to interpret and discuss a variety of literature. You will use the texts at various times during the course; however, all summer reading is to be completed prior to the first day of class. You will be held responsible for all reading and assignments during the first week of school. So, plan ahead, and be ready to turn in assignments and take a test on day one! All assignment and reading instructions are detailed in this packet and on my class website, .

Literary Terms List

First, study the AP Literature and Composition literary terms list, which is available on the class website. Many of these will be familiar, but others will require some studying on your part. Understanding these terms is important to our analysis of literature throughout the semester. Expect a test on these terms during the first week of class.

Required Readings

You will need to read the following texts prior to the first day of class:

  • How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
  • Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  • The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

I highly recommend you purchase your own copies of these books for annotation purposes; however, I do have copies of Macbeth and The Fountainheadavailable if you need them. I do not have copies of How to Read Literature Like a Professor, but you can access an online version on my class website. Please read How to Read Literature Like a Professorfirst, as it will guide your analysis of the other texts and help in your completion of the assignments. Your first task with each of these texts is to enjoy it. In addition, you should be sure to note and remember details, such as characters, settings, plot, theme, and point of view. It will also help you to annotate and analyze the following elements in each of the texts:

  • Figurative language and Imagery
  • Symbolism
  • Motifs
  • Diction and Syntax
  • Characterization
  • Allusions

As always, you are trying to ascertain the importance of those details in relationship to the overall themes and tones of the text. Don’t seek out summaries or criticisms for any of the texts. One of the major tenets of the course is your ability to read and interpret a text, and using outside sources is cheating that ability. You will also be tested on these texts during the first week of school.

Literary Devices Journal

As you are reading and annotating, you also need to complete the Literary Devices Journals for both The Fountainhead and Macbeth. Instructions are on the worksheet. Late Literary Devices Journals will not be accepted.

Analysis Essay

After finishing the three required summer reading texts, you must complete your first analysis essay for the course. Not only does this essay assess your understanding of the texts, but it also provides me with insight into your writing style, skills, and knowledge. This essay will be graded according to the AP English Literature rubric, which we will be using throughout the semester. Use the following prompt:

After completing all of the required reading, apply the chapter of your choice from How to Read Literature Like a Professor to eitherThe FountainheadorMacbeth. For example, if I were doing the same assignment with Frankenstein, I may choose to focus on Foster’s “He’s Blind for a Reason” chapter and focus my essay on the significance of the blind man in Frankenstein. Your essay should be typed in MLA format, printed, and turned in on the first day of class. Late essays will not be accepted.

Important Information

Along with the summer reading requirements, this class will be conducted at the college-level. Thus, you should be aware that no assignments will be accepted late without prior permission, and all reading assignments are to be completed on time. Class discussions will be based on readings and the knowledge gained both in and out of class.

Contacting Mrs. Turner

Although I do not check e-mail each and every day over the summer, I am available if you have any questions. Just be patient – I will reply, but it may not be immediately.

E-mail:

Course Website:

AP English Literature and Composition Writing Rubric and Grading Scale
AP Score / Description / Grade Equivalents
9-8 / Excellent
These scores are for essays in which excellent content and impressive writing reveal the writer’s ability to reason with perception and to express ideas clearly and skillfully—stylistic maturity. They accomplish all of the following:
1)Demonstrate an understanding of the assignment/question
2)Reveal depth of analysis supported by appropriate, specific references to the text
3)Reflect consistent control over the elements of effective writing, particularly diction, syntax, and structure / 9 = 100/A
8 = 94/A
7-6 / Good
These scores are for essays which demonstrate the writer’s ability to express ideas clearly but with less maturity and control than the top papers and sometimes with minor flaws in interpretation or writing. / 7 = 89/B
6 = 82/B
5 / Adequate
This score is for those essays which demonstrate any or all of the following:
1)An understanding of the question but not a full analysis, often with vague, superficial, limited answers which reflect a simplistic approach and flaws in interpretation
2)Little specific support from the text
3)Writing which is adequate to convey the writer’s thoughts but which is not as well-conceived, organized, or developed as the upper level papers—lacks stylistic maturity / 5 = 77/C
4-3 / Weak
This score is for essays which compound the weaknesses of the 5 essays in any or all of the following areas:
1)Weak control over the elements of good writing including diction, syntax, and/or structure
2)Failure to demonstrate a complete understanding of the question/assignment
3) Mostly plot summary with little analysis
4)Incomplete response to the question
5)Recurrent stylistic flaws
6)Lack of specific, persuasive evidence from the text for support / 4 = 72/C
3 = 67/D
2-1 / Unacceptable
These scores are for essays which fail to respond adequately to the question. They may exhibit any or all of the following:
1)Distortion or misapplication of the work/assignment
2)Serious problems in diction, syntax, and/or structure
3)Mere summarization of plot
4)Lack of clarity, organization, or supporting evidence
5)Such a brief answer that the student’s writing ability cannot be identified / 2 = 62/D
1 = 57/F or below
Grading Notes: AP English Literature essays are rewarded for what they do well in response to the question. Your essays are grading holistically, meaning that you receive an overall score, and these scores are not broken down by points. Pay attention to my comments on your essays to guide in how to improve and enhance your writing. Should you have concerns about a grade on an essay, you need to make an appointment to see me after school. I am happy to discuss your grade, but please understand that I rarely change grades as a result – unless, of course, I have made a mistake, which I will happily correct. A poorly written (see 4-3 above) essay will not be given a score higher than a 4, and an essay that does not address the assignment prompt will not be given a score higher than a 5.

Literary Devices Journals

AP English Literature

Directions: As you read, note examples and effects of the following specific literary devices. Be sure to include all required information listed in the chart. You still need to annotate in your books, as the following literary devices are not the only significant ones present in the texts.

The Fountainhead
Literary Device / Example From Text
Include direct quote, correctly punctuated, and in-text parenthetical citation (author’s last name page #) / Brief Explanation as to How the Example Creates Meaning in the Text
Does not have to be in complete sentences, but analysis should complete and understandable
Imagery
Characterization
Symbolism
Irony
Diction
Syntax
Macbeth
Literary Device / Example From Text
Include direct quote, correctly punctuated, and in-text parenthetical citation (author’s last name page #) / Brief Explanation as to How the Example Creates Meaning in the Text
Does not have to be in complete sentences, but analysis should complete and understandable
Archetype
Symbolism
Setting
Motif
Figurative Language
Foreshadowing