AP Language and Composition Ms. Hoffman

Summer Reading List 2009

School records indicate that you have either qualified for or expressed interest in the AP Language and Composition class. Enclosed you will find the Summer Reading List for that class. It is important that you call the Guidance Office and verify that you are actually enrolled for this class before you begin the Summer Reading list, as these selections are entirely different from the Regents Level books.

Over the summer, each AP Language and Composition student must read the four books listed below.

Though you are not required to purchase the books, I strongly advise you to order these texts from Amazon.com or your local bookstore within the next two weeks, as we will be referring to them and discussing them at the beginning of the school year. You are only required to read the Rhetoric portion of the Aristotle text. This combined edition was the most affordable edition that I could find. If you can find a more affordable text that is only the Rhetoric portion, that will be fine.

You should read Aristotle first, coming to a basic understanding of what the art of rhetoric is, and how it is intended to persuade the reader or auditor. You must construct an outline of Rhetoric, defining and explaining Aristotle's key points and terms. I am not worried about the format of the outline. I am more concerned with the content. However, it must be typed. Most excellent outlines range from 7-8 pages and include definitions of important terms.

For each of the three narrative works, you must write a 2 page typed response, demonstrating your understanding of the work as a whole, and how the text is a form of rhetoric that comments upon history, and what the author is saying about history. You should have a very clear thesis that directly addresses one aspect of history in relationship to the text. Ask yourself, what is Doctorow saying about history? Is history a concrete truth, or does history as we know it change depending upon the person who writes it? What about Douglass? How is Douglass writing himself into existence? How is McCourt creating his own personal history, allowing events to define his person?

All papers should be typed in a 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced, 1 inch margins all around, your name in the upper right hand corner, and an appropriate title centered over the body of the text on the first page. Refer to the MLA handbook for any format questions. Please, no cover pages or graphics.

Summer reading tests will be administered the second Monday of the school year. Your papers and outline are due the day of the summer reading tests.

Don't hesitate to contact me (ahoffman@bkhs.org with any questions or concerns!

1.) The Rhetoric and Poetics of Aristotle: Aristotle (Mc Graw Hill) ISBN #0075546027

2.) Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: Frederick Douglass (Dover Thrift Edition)

3.) Ragtime: E.L. Doctorow Any Edition

4.) Angela's Ashes: Frank McCourt Any Edition