Course Overview

AP English Literature and Composition B continues the second semester of this rigorous, college-level course, guiding students in the analysis and interpretation of imaginative texts across fiction, poetry, and contemporary literature. Building on the foundations of Part A, this course emphasizes close reading, advanced writing, and preparation for the AP® English Literature and Composition Exam.

Key Learning Focus

Students will:

• Explore the fundamentals of fiction, including narrative structure, character development, and thematic depth.
• Study the contemporary novel, analyzing how modern authors expand and challenge literary traditions.
• Examine elements of poetry such as sound devices, structural patterns, and syntactical choices to deepen interpretive skills.
• Compose a range of formal essays and informal responses that demonstrate analytical precision, argumentation, and literary insight.
• Strengthen their ability to connect form, language, and meaning across diverse works and genres.

Instructional Approach

Instruction emphasizes guided literary analysis, peer discussion, writing workshops, and practice with AP® exam-style prompts. Students continue to refine their writing in argumentative, interpretive, and comparative forms, ensuring readiness for the demands of the exam and future college-level coursework.

Outcome

By the end of AP English Literature and Composition B, students will:

• Demonstrate mastery of close reading, literary analysis, and written interpretation.
• Engage critically with a wide range of texts from both historical and contemporary contexts.
• Apply literary theory and rhetorical strategies to construct nuanced arguments.
• Be fully prepared to succeed on the AP® English Literature and Composition Exam and in advanced humanities studies.