Is AP Lit Worth It?

SvenskanFisk
Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:37:29 +0000

I want to take any classes that I can which will strengthen my writing abilities. I love to write and want to pursue Journalism and possibly minor in Creative Writing. However, I have never been big on the literature aspect of English class. Maybe it just stems from dull reading group experiences in elementary school (“okay, class. I would like you to read ten pages of Amelia Bedelia over the next week. Then we will discuss the pro’s and con’s of Ms. Bedelia becoming a maid.” ) I love to read, however, my experiences in literature-based English classes have usually proven to be not enjoyable. I hate how teachers often test on books through multiple choice questions so that you can only receive the highest grade if you agree with the teacher’s opinions. I believe reading is a personal experience and that everyone can take away different philosophies from a book. Does AP Lit take a subjective or objective approach to reading?

My other concern about AP Lit is that it will neglect the oratorical, creative and writing aspects of English. I’ve heard you write many essays about the class readings, but do you ever explore other modes of writing? I’m in between taking AP Lit and Honors English, and I’m worried that Honors would be the more well-rounded course.

Overall, what were your impressions of Lit? How were the books? How can you take an AP exam on something as wide as literature? Do you think it was personally-enriching, or is it just shoving a lot of info into your brain that isn’t useful?