Dear AP Literature Students

June 2014

Dear AP Literature Students,

Now that we are about to graduate this year's senior class, it is time to think about next year and you. First, enjoy this summer. Relax. Enjoy your family and friends. September to May is an intense time, especially for you who are taking multiple AP classes and exams. However, we also know we must begin preparing for next year. The Classical References & Literary Terms Assignment (see our websites) will help you with the literature we will be reading next year and should be an enjoyable assignment. Look at the Powerpoints we’ve created, and TAKE NOTES in a format you can study. Know the people and places. Be prepared for an exam that covers this information.

Second, you will need to read and take notes on How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster. He’s a very entertaining author, and we think you’ll learn a lot about discussing literature from this. Mrs. Millam has copies in the library you can check out. For free or inexpensive copies: The Orange County Public Library has 42 copies. Check online at ocpl.org ; they have a great reservation system. The Placentia, Yorba Linda, and Fullerton libraries are not a part of the OCPL and only have 2 copies. For inexpensive copies, check half.com or www. amazon.com or used book stores. YOU WILL NEED NOTES for this book as we are using it constantly during the year, and there will be an exam on it. For this assignment, we suggest separate notes rather than in-text annotations so you don’t have to carry the book around for 10 months.

Since many of you will be applying in the fall to colleges that require an essay, we want to lessen the stress during first semester, so we ask that you write an admission essay and complete a Letter of Recommendation Information Sheet (aka “Brag” Sheet) during the summer if you didn’t already do this for you LA3-AP class. This essay can be used both for college applications and scholarships. Do not wait until the end of August; begin the process in July. First, read the handout on our websites on essays to avoid. Next, go on-line and research the admission essay questions for the colleges you are considering. Then, once you have chosen an appropriate question, visit for their free on-line course to improve your essay. After you have written your essay, read the handout on fine-tuning your essay. Save this handout for use during the year. For those of you who need this essay, you may sign up in September and early October for appointments to discuss with one of us your essay.

We will begin the year by discussing the biblical and classical references. The Classical References Assignment & Letter of Recommendation Information Sheet, will also be posted to our websites [go to Valencia’s webpage www.vhstigers.org click on Walker’s or Harnett’s website and choose My Files.] Then we’ll quickly move on to our first novel. Concurrent with your literary studies, you will master SAT vocabulary and literary terms, write AP essays, and take AP practice exams. More information about class content will be available on Mrs. Walker’s website and perhaps Mrs. Harnett’s (after her recovery from having a baby). If you have questions about course content, please email us at the addresses below.

Again, enjoy your summer, rest, relax, but do your research, take notes, and write your college admission essay!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Harnett Ms. Walker [email protected] [email protected]