AP English Language 4

Teachers: Jason Schmidt
Open to: Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

Approved by the College Board, Advanced Placement English Language 4 is a rigorous rhetoric and composition course that focuses primarily on works of nonfiction. Focusing on non-fiction, students will explore the fundamentals of rhetoric and recognize how stylistic choices in composition contribute to compelling argumentation. Students will gain an appreciation for the figurative and rhetorical strategies present in non-fiction selections while simultaneously polishing their own craft as skilled rhetoricians; to this end, students will regularly write essays that analyze and synthesize non-fiction selections. Additionally, students will prepare for the AP Language and Composition exam in May. Prerequisites: only students who have taken English 3 are eligible for this course; students who have taken AP English Language 3 are NOT eligible for this class. Students enrolled in English 3 must meet the following criteria: a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.3 or higher in English, a recommendation from the student’s English 3 teacher, and approval of the department chair. This course must be taken for two semesters.