Wednesday, April 29, 2015

What is the true reason you are taking AP lit?

63 comments:

  1. I cannot choose one specific reason for deciding to take AP Literature this coming year. For me, multiple reasons have overlapped to form my opinion on this decision. Taking AP classes is a phenomenal way to learn, and stretch oneself as a student. The ability to grow as a student has shaped the choices I have made throughout my years at East High School. I have made decisions to make the most out of my high school education. I believe this class will help me grow as both a writer, and as a literary analyzer. Literature has the ability to teach us about history, those who write books, nature, and even ourselves; I yearn to more fully facilitate these lessons. With such mentors as a seasoned teacher and insightful peers, I will be able to learn from people as well as the books we explore. AP Literature will also help me create a more sophisticated transcript, and allow me with an opportunity to receive college credit. This is not the major motivator for me taking this class, however it is an incentive to do well throughout the course. I am taking this course to learn and understand literature.

    -Ashley Maxfield

    ReplyDelete
  2. If it were up to me I would not be taking an English class. But I have to take one to graduate so I will comply. For me I do not think there is a "true reason" for taking AP Literature but a collection of reasons that made it easy for me to choose. This year I felt like I needed to challenge myself in analyzing literature and creating an intelligent response to them. And it felt like this class held those. I also chose this class because of Mrs. Peterson who I had as a sophomore. In my 3 years of highschool she was the only English teacher that I actually wanted to write essays for and wanted to learn about English. These were the two main motivators for me in choosing. A class that will challenge my understanding of Literature with being helped by a teacher that makes me want to learn.
    -Ryan Hurlburt

    ReplyDelete
  3. The primary reason I am taking AP Literature is to earn college credit. However I enjoy reading and am looking forward to the coursework that allows for the analyzation of literature. AP Literature is a great and logical decision for me because I took AP Language & Composition last year.

    -Lauren Hash

    ReplyDelete
  4. I want a heightened understanding of literature along with the tools I need to analyze it. I don't want to have to read a paragraph ten times because I can't figure out what it means or why it is significant. It's so annoying. I loved AP Language and Composition because it was challenging and it made me think about what I was writing. I signed up for this class because it's boring when you don't challenge yourself. I'd rather do all the work while I'm still in high school anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. There isn't one specific reason as to why I decided to take AP lit but one of the biggest pushes towards this class was from Ms. Ipson last year. My initial plan for my senior year was to take classes that didn't require as much work as the ones I had taken in the past but Ms. Ipson refused to sign me up for the concurrent English class, telling me that I would enjoy AP lit so much more than I would enjoy an "easy" schedule. I wasn't going to fight one of my favorite teachers so I just let her make the decision for me. Overall, I am excited to gain a better understanding of literature as a whole and am looking forward to the challenge that this class holds. I trust that Ms. Ipson knew what she was doing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. There are a number of reasons that I decided to take AP lit this year. However the overarching reason is that I want to challenge myself and become a better reader and writer, so that next year in college I will feel more adequately prepared to succeed. Though taking concurrent would have been an easier route, I knew that it also would not allow me to become stronger in english, like AP lit will. I'm excited to have the opportunity this school year to expand my knowledge through literature.

    -Allison Buhler

    ReplyDelete
  8. "Why am I taking this class?" I curse to myself in anticipatory dread while reading Invisible Man. Obviously when said in this context the question is rhetorical, but now I am tasked to answer it.
    Hmm...
    I am taking AP Literature because:
    I am interested in pursuing a career in the sciences...
    Nope, that's not it.
    I want to have ample time to succeed in extracurricular activities...
    Definitely not the reason.
    I enjoy writing essays more than spending time with friends...
    Depends on the essay, but primarily no.
    It sounds like an easy class to maintain my GPA...
    Nope, that would be absurd.
    It was predestined. Choice is a myth, and we have no free will...
    No, way too spooky.

    Reflecting on these reasons, I think I have some inkling towards the true reason I am taking AP Literature.
    I am a masochist. That is the only way to explain, that somehow, I think this class will be fun.

    -Nick Olsen

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, Nick. I am so glad to see you've not changed!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This past year of English made me realize how much better of an education students receive when they take an AP course for Language Arts. I know this because I spent the last year in honors where I viewed my peers who took AP Lang. They certainly learned a great deal more than I did.
    Of course, then there is the matter of Ms. Peterson who with her bright smile and ironic, hilarious personality is irresistible. Of course I want to take AP Lit with her as the captain.

    ReplyDelete
  11. As with almost every other post on this page, I cannot choose one specific reason for choosing to take AP Lit this upcoming year. Surely, it was not the three essays that enticed me into it... However I have taken AP courses all throughout high school, so it was almost an involuntary response to take this course after AP Lang last year. I also have a true love for challenging course work, because I like to feel that I am putting hard work in to receive endless benefits after it. Plus, interesting/challenging works are far better than boring/easy ones. Above all else, I want to appeal to challenging colleges in applying this fall, and what better than a challenging AP course to do it. Also, I've heard nothing but amazing things about Ms. Peterson. I'm looking forward to this year!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm taking this class primarily because it focuses on literature and provides exposure to some of the greatest works of art that our society has produced in an environment where they can be discussed and digested. It would be a waste to miss out on excellent novels simply because the class is harder, especially when the difficulty of the class forces greater understanding of those novels.

    -Jackson Keller

    ReplyDelete
  13. There isn't a definite answer as to why I have decided to take this class but, one of the biggest reasons being that I want to expand my knowledge of literature and a bonus is gaining college credit as well. I was also encouraged to take this class not only by my teacher last year, but from friends as well. I've heard so many good things about Mrs. Peterson and I am way excited to finally have the chance to have her as my teacher!

    -Jamie Lewis

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm excited to meet you! I think you'll love AP!

      Delete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I signed up for this class originally because my mom wanted me to have the man, the legend, Mrs. Lake. However I'm still very excited for this class because I've heard great things about you from my siblings! (Brownie Points?) I enjoy challenging myself and I feel that studying the english language helps in any potential career i choose as well. I hope to do well in this class and have loved the challenge of IM so far! I hope to not disappoint!:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Public relations, as we've dubbed it, is always appreciated. :) AP will be one of the best vehicles in preparing for pretty much any career, so good choice!

      Delete
  16. I can't possibly match Nick Olsen's wit, so I'll keep it short and sweet. I'm taking AP Lit for two reasons:
    1. The lovely and highly educated Ms. Ipson circled it on my registration card.
    2. I love literature and reading, and I look forward to the challenge that is AP Lit. I've been told by seniors before me that this class is life changing, and thus I have high expectations. I look forward to many late night homework assignments and study groups. Let the year begin!

    -Karli Nicole Sullivan

    ReplyDelete
  17. I can't possibly match Nick Olsen's wit, so I'll keep it short and sweet. I'm taking AP Lit for two reasons:
    1. The lovely and highly educated Ms. Ipson circled it on my registration card.
    2. I love literature and reading, and I look forward to the challenge that is AP Lit. I've been told by seniors before me that this class is life changing, and thus I have high expectations. I look forward to many late night homework assignments and study groups. Let the year begin!

    -Karli Nicole Sullivan

    ReplyDelete
  18. I signed up for AP Lit mostly because none of the other classes seemed as interested. I've heard good things from friends that have graduated not just about the class itself, but about the books and texts covered in class. I personally love reading and having assistance in expanding my classic novels "repertoire " is something that I am very excited for!

    -Kalli Roberts

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am taking AP Lit because I want to challenge myself with difficult texts, lose myself in class discussions, and debate everything from the purpose of a certain literary device, to the validity a novel has in present day. I hope this class will further develop my ability to deeply analyze a text and apply it. Also, needless to say, I am looking forward to another year with my favorite teacher! I look forward to pushing my boundaries, stepping out of my comfort zone, and growing not only as a reader and writer, but as a global and broad thinker.

    -Breanna Steggell

    ReplyDelete
  20. It seems like my answer is going to me a mesh of lots of previous responses, but here goes. I chose to take AP Lit for a few reasons. I want to become a better reader and writer, and I hope that this course will help me accomplish that. With the guidance of Ms. Peterson (who I’ve heard great things about!) I hope to push myself and improve my writing skills and my analytical reading skills. I’m also looking forward to expanding my repertoire of classic novels, because I think they are valuable works of literature to read.
    -Eleanor Wettstein

    ReplyDelete
  21. The study of literature I find interesting because it allows one to use an artfully written story, and use of its themes and devices to apply it to their own experiences, and also phenomenon of the changing world. Reading literature can be as thought-provoking as philosophy, but you get to enjoy entertaining stories that ground ideas and keep thoughts from becoming to abstract.
    -Mikey Vetter

    ReplyDelete
  22. I sighed up for this class because this AP class will help me sharpen my writing skills and I believe that taking this class will help me learn how to think critically. Given that English is my second language this class will be a major challenge but I am determined. I want to learn more about literature and writing. But the main reason I am taking this class is because I want to be prepared for college and I want the chance to try and earn my language arts credit for college.
    -Manariyo Lenata

    ReplyDelete
  23. Does the study of literature still have purpose?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. I believe that many of the inspirational messages in literature are still applicable today, despite the modifications in society now that differ from that of classic works written (up to) hundreds of years ago. In most cases, these ideas are solely based on human action and consequence, and whether or not the specific context of the time applies today, the difficulty remains constant. Thus, if the message from a novel is to create a much-needed generation of bright young students who are more zealous about learning than ever before, this concept can be taught to generations to come, even if it was written in our great-grandparents' time.
      -Molly Jackson

      Delete
    3. The study of literature absolutely still has a purpose. As soon as I read this question a famous quote by George Santayana entered my mind which states, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Literature allows us to escape into other worlds, or even universes. And books like the "Invisible Man" help us to learn about a particular era in history, like the Harlem Renaissance, which allows us to escape from the vicious cycle of history. Studying literature also allows us to vividly picture the setting and characters that the author places before us which help us to grow and develop as individuals as we broaden our horizons.

      -Spencer Frey

      Delete
  24. I signed up for this class because I hope to acquire better writing and analytical skills. I've heard from my siblings and parents that these are essential skills to learn in order to be successful in college. Also, I believe that the study of literature does still have a purpose. I've always enjoyed reading, however it is sometimes difficult to grasp what the author is trying to convey. That's why I'm excited to learn more about classic literature.
    - Clara Randall

    ReplyDelete
  25. I signed up for this class because I am interested in becoming better acquainted with the literature that has shaped our culture. I want to learn more about the books and poems that have inspired ideas and actions that have led us to where we are today. I have always loved to read and I am excited to delve into the deeper meanings of great literature.
    -Elizabeth Miller

    ReplyDelete
  26. I decided to take this class because I would like to learn more about the literature written by prime figures in the past, the message this literature has sent to others, and to study how that message has had an impact on our generation. I am interested in learning about the diversity of literature and why each had a different effect, and why we are, today, still learning and studying from these novels. I am also looking forward to using the knowledge and skills I gain from this class to hopefully make an impact on others and spread the ideas visible in the greatest works of classic literature.
    -Molly Jackson

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am taking AP Lit because I deeply enjoy reading and I want a better understanding of what makes a good book tick, so to speak. I also want to learn about the impact that great literature has had on society and vice versa. Also, my writing skills could always use improvement and analyzing good books in addition to writing essays in response to them will surely help me become a better writer. Finally, I want to connect with my literature-loving peers and absorb their opinions concerning the many books that we will be reading this year.

    -Spencer Frey

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm taking AP Lit because I want to better understand how to analyze books, and to figure out how certain themes in books can relate to my own life. I would also like to improve my writing skills in preparation for college.

    - Derek Strong

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm taking AP Lit because I felt that I had more room to grow in this class than that of core English. I also thought that I would do well in literary analysis and the text, so it was my first choice for English this year!
    - John Eggleston

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am taking AP Lit because I want to improve my reading and comprehension skills, as well as preparing for English and literature in college. Additionally, I love writing poetry and want to learn how to thoroughly analyze it. I've always loved reading and writing, for me, taking this class will only help me with my literature comprehension and allow me to explore interesting books. I'm very excited for this class and happy that I am taking it next year.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I`ve always held a deep love for reading. Ever since I was little the joy that can come from books has been a major aspect of my life (even though I don`t go around sharing the fact that I am a bookworm). I`m taking this class because Ms. Ipson told me too, but more importantly because I want the challenge myself to expand my love of reading to some of the best books and language the world has seen, even if I don`t want to leave the comfort and ease of what I`m use to. I don`t think Ms. Ipson was wrong when she expressed the greatness of this class, so I`m excited to see what it has in store.
    - Whitney DeVries

    ReplyDelete
  33. What is the true reason that I am taking AP Literature? There is only one answer for me and that is because I want the experience. I plan on continuing on to college and because of this I wanted to have an idea of what I am going to have to do in the future. AP Literature will help prepare me for college but more importantly it will help know how I will have to change in order to succeed.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Throughout my high school career I have come to learn that there are many other classes that I have a passion for and prefer over English. I have never particularly enjoyed reading, I would much rather be doing math equations or science experiments. But, as I have been told countless number of times, reading and writing are two of the most important skills to help you not only in your education but throughout the rest of your life. So, I am taking on the challenge of AP lit to benefit me to become a better reader and writer, essentially helping me to further my education and better prepare me for college.
    -Mia Thomas

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am taking AP Literature because I want to become more familiar with classic novels and texts, and be able to analyze them better. It is difficult to understand classic literature for me sometimes, and I want to be able to comprehend a novel’s symbols and meaning as well as recognize its effects and impressions in today’s society.

    ReplyDelete
  36. To be honest, i'm taking AP lit because of the rigorous course load.I know that there aren't many classes at east more challenging than AP Lit, and i'm excited for the challenge. Additionally, it would be every nice to be able to read and understand classic literature and to truly see the appeal behind it.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Though I find history classes fascinating, I struggle to retain the information presented to me through simple rote memorization. Luckily, I read a book this past summer that provided a lovely insight as to why memorization of facts and a complete understanding of material are inextricably bound to one another. If one does not remember mundane aspects of a historical event such as the date, one can not possibly hope to understand the complexities and nuances of the situation and vice versa. In other words, everything has a context and I have found that books are literary fortresses in which to store the minute details that so often escape us in convoluted History courses. Classic literature is a window into the past wherein scholars are able to analyze occurrences and place events in a context encompassed by voice, tone, theme, and characterization. Novels don't just preserve the events of yesteryear but the ideologies and individual experiences of the past that make history more sentimental. Literature allows people of the present to relate to those that came before them and process the idea that everything that precedes us led us to the very world we know today. I am taking AP Literature to perhaps gain a slightly better comprehension of the human condition and the ideas that got us to our present conclusions.

    -Aria Critchley

    ReplyDelete
  38. I decided to take AP Literature because I enjoy being academically challenged by rigorous courses. Additionally, I want to gain a greater appreciation for classical literature. Although I love reading, I have always struggled connecting with older novels and hope that this class will incite a greater passion for reading classics.

    -Emma Glende

    ReplyDelete
  39. Well, in the beginning of summer I would have told you that it was to make my transcript look better, but after crawling through the desolate and abhorrent patchwork of "Invisible Man", I can only assume that I hate myself and wish to suffer.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am taking AP Lit because a senior year level language arts class is required and general language arts would be to mundane for me. Additionally, AP Lit will give me the opportunity to boost my resume and increase my writing ability.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I think AP Lit will give me an opportunity to explore classic pieces of literature in a controlled environment. I believe this will give help me understand many references throughout my lifetime that I cannot yet comprehend. Literature has a unique ability to encompass many different subjects such as history and social issues, and because of this a more thorough course interests me. English is my favorite subject in school, and I appreciate the opportunity to challenge myself in a college-level class. In addition, I am excited to gain skills in reading and analyzing various pieces of literature.

    -Gracie James

    ReplyDelete
  42. I am taking AP Literature because I know I'll only benefit from it. It seems like the perfect class to prepare me for college next year, expanding my skills as a reader, writer and analyst. All other language arts classes offered to Seniors would not make me feel as confident going into college as AP Literature will. Additionally, I have noticed my growing love for reading throughout high school, and I especially noticed this while reading Invisible Man. It was an amazing novel. So, I am just excited to get the opportunity to read more of these many classic literary pieces, and appreciate the beauty within them.

    ReplyDelete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I am an aspiring writer suffering from a literary withdrawal. Ironically, school siphoned most--if not all--time once reserved for reading. In the nine months of my junior year, I only managed to complete one novel. I hope that AP Lit will finally give me an excuse to read amazing literature.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Taking AP Lit is as easy as marking it down on our class sign up paper. Initially I marked it down because it seemed like a natural progression from AP Lang last year. It also is clearly is a difficult class that will make for a good looking class schedule and will challenge me. However, there are several other benefits that I may not have considered when I signed up but that I have since realized. Reading was my lowest ACT score, I have always loved certain novels and understood difficult books, but I have never been a fast reader. I hope that this class will make me a more effective reader to prepare me for the incredible amount of reading required in college. I have also realized that this class will help me become a better writer. I don't love academic writing but I am interested in storytelling, something this class will expose me to a lot and hopefully rub off on me.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I want to increase my ability to produce my thoughts and ideas in a way that fully encompasses what is going on in my head. I sometimes have thoughts that I would like to express, but can only find words that make the thought seem somewhat dull. On the other hand, I also want to be able to better understand complicated rhetoric and to understand the themes and ideas that literary authors feel are important enough to put into a piece of literature. I feel that there are beautiful ideas that exist in literature that change the way some people perceive the world and even change the way some people live. I want both to study and create these ideas. I have always been interested in literature and I hope that this class will help me to improve my understanding of it. I also decided to take this class because Peterson pushed me to do my best in 9th grade English and I know she will push me again.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I am taking AP Literature because reading and writing are integral to success in college and whichever career I choose to pursue after. While I may not become an english major, reading and writing are important skillsets in most every subject. I have enjoyed reading since elementary school, but would like to broaden my understanding of more difficult texts and improve my analysis skills. The best way for me to do this is to read and discuss novels in a classroom setting where I can hear the thoughts and opinions of my classmates, and receive feedback. This ability to think and reason from various sides of an issue, as well as to find underlying meaning, will help me form my own attitudes towards real life issues, and create defendable claims in both written and non-written settings. I also hope that exposure to so many new novels will help me develop my own writing style and storytelling abilities.

    -Ilona Wall

    ReplyDelete
  48. To earn the required credit for graduation and out of the fear that any other option may be less interesting. But it may also just be a lull in my long and unhealthy relationship with reading and writing that has momentarily imbued me with unjustified confidence.

    - James Higgins

    ReplyDelete
  49. Besides the college preparedness that i will gain from this class, I always challenge myself to do more personally and academically. I hope to obtain a new love for literature and gain a better set of analytical skills that will give me a grater benefit in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love reading and discussing books but I hate writing about and annotating books. I am hoping that AP Lit will help change my feelings on this crucial aspect of understanding literature. By forcing myself to annotate/and write about books on a constant basis, I hope that I will start liking it or at the very least, grow numb to it. Also, by taking this class, it makes it a lot easier for me to successfully fool colleges into letting me in.

    ReplyDelete
  51. There is not a singular reason for signing up for AP Lit. I have always enjoyed language arts, it has always been one of my favorite classes. I had Ms.Ipson last year and she really encouraged me to sign up for this class as well, and if she thinks I can handle it I might as give it my best shot. And if I manage to get college credit along the way, it wouldn't hurt.
    I genuinely enjoy reading and discussing books. Why not push myself a little?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good choice! You'll love the texts and the class discussions are so much fun!

      Delete
  52. There is not a singular reason for signing up for AP Lit. I have always enjoyed language arts, it has always been one of my favorite classes. I had Ms.Ipson last year and she really encouraged me to sign up for this class as well, and if she thinks I can handle it I might as give it my best shot. And if I manage to get college credit along the way, it wouldn't hurt.
    I genuinely enjoy reading and discussing books. Why not push myself a little? (sorry the first one didn't use my name) - Jesikah Cox

    ReplyDelete
  53. I have heard that AP Lit is one of the hardest classes at East High. Language arts has never come naturally to me as math and science has, so deciding to take this class was a big decisions to me. From what I've heard, this is the best class at East to prepare you for college. It will help in every class. I decided to take this challange in order to prepare myself for the future!

    ReplyDelete