Mythbusters: AP Language vs. AP Literature

In the past month, I’ve had at least 10 juniors ask me for advice on whether to take AP English Literature (Lit) or AP English Language and Composition (Lang), since I’m one of the crazy  few taking both.

What I’ve noticed in talking to these students is that there are many outdated myths regarding the two courses, and — fortunately for you — I’m here to clear the air once and for all.

Myth No.1: Lit is more writing-intensive than Lang

In Lit, students have to complete weekly practice writes on a page-long literary text. These assignments are meant as preparation for the AP test, where you have to compose a literary  analysis essay in 60 minutes. The writes take no more than an hour-and-a-half at most, and students are given one whole week to complete them.

In addition, after every unit you complete one in-class essay, with a prompt asking a general question based on the works you read in class. After three essays, one of them is turned in for a grade.

In AP Language, students write less frequently, but the writing assignments are worth more and are often longer. There are also weekly or biweekly practice writes, either persuasive or analytical, and one out of every three is graded. In my opinion, the time crunch for these writes (45 minutes) is difficult, and sometimes you feel confused by the language in the texts. In addition, the class has large essay assignments, each worth 100 to 200 points. You have weeks to complete them, along with peer revision opportunities in class.

Myth No. 2:  AP English Language is less reading-intensive than AP English Literature.



In Lang, the readings are assigned for every class. They are fairly short — three to six pages — but extremely dense and complicated. You need to really pay attention and analyze the philosophical arguments as you read. However, if you still don’t understand the material, not to worry — the teacher covers the topic the next day and clarifies the arguments presented in the essay.

Lit has a more steady approach to reading. As a class, students read poems in class and are assigned a novel to read at home over the span of a few weeks. The reading is almost always straightforward and understandable, with a captivating storyline that is easier to follow than some of the dense philosophical texts.

 

Myth No. 3: It is easy to get an A in Lang.

Lang requires just as much work and focus as Lit. Pop reading quizzes are rare, but they certainly happen, and it is always necessary to complete the reading on time in order to participate in class and understand what’s going on. The essays need to be well written, presenting logical and convincing arguments in an apt fashion.

AP Literature is also not easy: There are literary terms to be memorized, poetry to be analyzed and interpreted and out-of-class writing assignments to be completed.

Myth No. 4: In AP English Literature, all you read is boring classic literature.

In addition to Renaissance plays, AP Literature covers many other genres, including African-American poetry, Hispanic poetry, Old English, Middle English, an independent novel of your choice (albeit classical) and others. The readings are fascinating and often contain hidden meanings and themes, which you go over in class.

Lang readings are also captivating. The texts are mostly contemplations of philosophers on themes such as the meaning of life, reality, identity and justice. These topics are always relevant to your life and will broaden your scope of vision when talking about these issues in the future.

So … which class should you take? My advice is to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, consider your areas of passion, and see which class best caters to your preferences. In any case, you cannot go wrong.