ATTENTION ALL UPCOMING SENIORS:

You may have heard something about a change in next year’s 12th grade lit classes. The rumors are true; there will be a drastic shift in senior literature beginning in August, so juniors contemplating course recommendations, read on.

“We are completely getting rid of Brit Literature and Multicultural Literature for next year’s seniors,” Letitia Lee, English Department head, said.

Juniors have been hearing about British Literature, Multicultural Literature, and Advanced Placement literature, better known as AP Lit, since freshman year. Starting with the 2019 seniors, there will be only Advanced Comp and AP Lit. The school plans to offer an honors course of Advanced Comp, as well.

“AP Lit has a much smaller research component for the Senior Project, and the entire project is completed before February break,” Jessica Sprecher, AP lit teacher, said.

For juniors taking AP Language, most teachers say there is no point in the workload of AP Lit for those who score a five on the exam in May. Unfortunately, those students cannot make a decision based on a score of a test not yet taken. The good thing about taking AP Lit after AP Lang is that students have already fallen into the rhythm of the faster pace of AP and are used to the rigor. Those who take AP Lit are finished with senior project presentations by the end of January; imagine getting all of that stress out of the way almost four months early. After senior projects, students focus on the AP lit curriculum and prepare for the AP exam in May.

“The options for next year will be much more beneficial to seniors in the long run,” Emmie Amick, junior, said.

Whether choosing Advanced Comp, Honors Advanced Comp, or AP Lit depends on students’ progress as a junior. Taking Advanced Comp will most likely be the better choice for those who need more time to get things completed, such as papers and senior project. Weigh the pros and cons thoughtfully before submitting course selections for senior year.