AP® English Literature & Composition – Part 3: Plays from edX

This course prepares you to read more deeply and write more clearly about works of literature. This course will focus on great pieces of drama and how we read and interpret them. We will discuss the works of William Shakespeare and Edmond Rostand. Through an engaging collection of videos, authentic readings, and support material from a variety of sources, you will learn to appreciate literature from different genres.

You will broaden your vocabulary while you sharpen your academic and creative writing skills. Interaction with other students will help you to refine your thinking about the reading and writing as well. You will learn to write under time pressure, and have the opportunity to complete practice assignments that are similar to those you will find on the AP examination.

There are no prerequisites; you don’t have to take the AP exam to join the course. If you want to learn about literature and writing, this course is for you.

What you'll learn

How to read and interpret great pieces of drama
Cultural and historical background of Shakespeare,Rostand, and Albee
Academic writing skills
Test-taking strategies

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to read and interpret great pieces of drama
Cultural and historical background of shakespeare,rostand, and albee

Academic writing skills
Test-taking strategies

How to read and interpret great pieces of drama
Cultural and historical background of shakespeare,rostand, and albee
Academic writing skills
Test-taking strategies

Syllabus

Week 7: Final Exam Part 3

Week 1: Introduction to Drama, Shakespeare 1Overview of form and vocabularyHow can we understand plays?Shakespeare: Moonlight MagicWhy do we still read Shakespeare?

Week 2: Shakespeare 2Shakespeare's Fairies: Puck and OberonWhat are some techniques for reading plays?Practice Test 1: Multiple Choice

Week 3: Rostand 1Practice Test 2: Essay/Free ResponseCyrano de Bergerac: The Man Behind the Nose

Week 4: Rostand 2Cyrano: Themes and MotifsHow do we come up with writing ideas?Practice Test 3: Multiple Choice

Week 5: Albee 1Introduction to George and MarthaHow can we refine our written ideas?Practice Test 4: Multiple Choice

Week 6: Writing about Drama & Albee 2Defending a thesis with evidenceHow can you succeed on the AP exam?Practice Test 5: Essay/Free Response

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches test-taking strategies, which can help you develop strategies for success on the AP exam

Taught by Maggie Sokolik, who have notable expertise and experience in the field

Develops academic writing skills, which can help with college, work, and personal development of learners

Students can refine their thinking about the reading and writing as well as broaden their vocabulary

There are no prerequisites, making this course accessible to students with varying backgrounds

Provides an overview of drama and its form and vocabulary

Career center

Learners who complete AP® English Literature & Composition – Part 3: Plays will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

English Instructor

An English Instructor leads students through different English lessons. This includes walking them through reading Shakespearean English, a skill which this course helps to develop. After taking this course, your ability to effectively teach how to read Shakespeare could land you a job as an English Instructor.

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English Professor

An English Professor teaches college students in a university setting. This course could help you to build a foundation. A greater understanding of how to read drama, which is a focal point of this course, could boost your chances of being hired as an English Professor.

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Speech Writer

A Speech Writer composes and creates written content for public speaking. In this course, the skill of how to write in an academic setting is taught. By taking this course, you can develop a foundation for writing effectively, which will help in any application to become a Speech Writer.

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Creative Writer

A Creative Writer writes different forms of public works. This course could provide some of the skills useful for a Creative Writer. The art of writing creatively and academically are two different forms of writing that this course helps to break down, allowing you to develop your abilities in each area.

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Editor

An Editor reviews and improves written content. This course may be useful for an Editor. You will be able to complete writing assignments that are similar to what you would be expected to complete in the role of an Editor.

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Literary Agent

A Literary Agent sells the rights to books to publishers for authors. This course may be useful for a Literary Agent. Gaining a greater appreciation for literature, such as drama, and how to read it could build a foundation for this type of career.

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Journalist

A Journalist reports news and current events for radio, television, and newspapers. This course may be useful for a Journalist. Understand how to engage with an audience and write effectively, which are skills that this course focuses on.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer applies legal principles to advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private matters. This course may be useful for a Lawyer. They may need to know how to compose documents or speak publicly, which are a few key skills learned through taking this course.

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Writer

A Writer writes different forms of content. This course may be useful for a Writer. This course provides the opportunity to engage in creative writing, which is useful for any Writer.

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Teacher

A Teacher helps people learn about different subjects. This course may be useful for a Teacher. Lessons about literature and drama, as well as improving a Teacher's writing skill, can take place within this course.

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Professor

A Professor teaches college students in a university setting. Students of this course could gain a deeper understanding of how to engage with writing and literature.

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Librarian

A Librarian gathers, organizes, and makes available books and other resources for use in a library.

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Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager manages social media accounts for companies and public figures.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes instruction manuals and other technical documents.

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Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist manages the flow of information between an organization and its public.